SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida Panthers have made significant moves in their roster, acquiring forward Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round selection from the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Panthers traded their 2026 fourth-round pick, as announced by President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito today.
Sturm, 29, brings a solid track record to the Panthers, having appeared in 47 games with the San Jose Sharks in the 2024-25 season. Throughout his NHL career, Sturm has shown consistency in his performance, with a notable 62.7% faceoff win percentage, leading all skaters with at least 250 draws taken in that season.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 209 pounds, the Augsburg, Germany native has played in over 300 career NHL games with various teams, including the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild. Sturm has demonstrated his prowess in the faceoff circle consistently, maintaining a faceoff win percentage above 50% in each of his last five seasons.
In addition to his NHL experience, Sturm has also showcased his skills on the international stage, earning a silver medal with Germany at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. His contributions both at the NHL level and in international competitions highlight his versatility and value to his teams.
Fans of the Florida Panthers can look forward to seeing Sturm in action this upcoming season. Single game tickets for the 2024-25 season are currently available for purchase, and those interested in Season Ticket Memberships for the 2025-26 season can join the waitlist through various platforms.
The acquisition of Nico Sturm adds depth and talent to the Florida Panthers roster, further solidifying their position as contenders in the NHL. With his skills in the faceoff circle and experience in high-pressure playoff games, Sturm brings a valuable asset to the team as they strive for success in the upcoming seasons.