Minnesota added to its defensive depth on Day 2 of Free Agency by signing reigning Stanley Cup Champion Matt Kiersted to a one-year, two-way contract. The 27-year-old defenseman managed to appear in two games with Florida in 2024-25, but spent the majority of the season with Charlotte (AHL), where he had a goal and 29 points in 64 games played.

The Florida Panthers have completed the 2024-25 season and, no longer in need of reserves, have assigned Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, and Matt Kiersted to the Charlotte Checkers (AHL). Kiersted has 27 points (1G / 27A) in 63 games with Charlotte this season.

Kiersted spent the 2023-24 season with Charlotte (AHL) and has earned himself a one-year, two-way contract extension to remain with Florida next season. The 26-year-old defensemen will provide the Panthers with some depth after putting up four goals and 15 points in 57 games with Charlotte last season.

Kiersted had a goal, three assists, 14 SOG, six PIMs and a +4 plus/minus through 20 games with the Panthers but has been reassigned to Charlotte (AHL) for the second time this season. In 12 games with the Checkers previously, he had one assist and 16 PIMs.

Kiersted will dress for the first time since October 29th Thursday vs. San Jose. Through six games so far this season, he has had little impact with zero points, five SOG and four PIM.

Kiersted was not on the ice for Monday's practice, leaving the Panthers with just five defensemen in practice. Expect Kiersted to skate next to Radko Gudas, if he plays vs. the Islanders. Kiersted has one goal and one assist in 17 career NHL games.

Kiersted has been in the lineup for three straight games but will sit on Tuesday. Chase Priskie will replace him and make his NHL debut in Winnipeg.

With Gustav Forsling out week-to-week, Kiersted will be in the lineup on Tuesday and could get an extended run on the Panthers' blueline. The 23-year-old started the season in the AHL, scoring six points (2G / 4A) in 16 games. He has one assist in nine career NHL games.

Kiersted just signed with the Panthers after finishing his senior year at the University of North Dakota. The Panthers will waste no time getting him into the lineup, as he'll skate with veteran Anton Stralman on Saturday. The 22-year-old blueliner had three goals and 19 assists (22 points) in 29 games at UND.