Panthers reduce roster in training camp and positive news on Rodrigues injury scare – Five Reasons Sports Network

SUNRISE — The Panthers made their first major wave of roster cuts on Monday, reducing the roster to 42 members in training camp.

The Charlotte Checkers (AHL) were assigned forwards John Leonard, Aidan McDonough and Ben Steeves as well as defensemen Marek Alscher, Michael Benning, Evan Nause and Zachary Uens. Matt Luff has been released from his PTO and will report to the Charlotte camp.

Junior forwards Hunter St. Martin and Gracyn Sawchyn were also returned to their respective WHL clubs.

Now with 42 skaters – 25 forwards, 12 defensemen and five goalkeepers – Florida still has two preseason games and just over a week to get to a 23-man roster on opening night.

On Monday night, the Panthers played their final home game of the preseason and lost 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

While the outcome of the game doesn’t matter, the Panthers had a slight injury scare when forward Evan Rodrigues left the game with 7:54 left in the second period and did not return.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said he would think if it were a regular season game, Rodrgiues would have returned.

The Panthers are already down a few forwards due to an injury this preseason, and the positive news about Rodrigues is a sigh of relief for the Panthers.

The team travels to Tampa on Wednesday for its third preseason game against the Lightning and then to Quebec City, where the friendly against Los Angeles concludes.

The 2024 Stanley Cup Opening Night and Banner Raising Ceremony will take place on October 8 against the Boston Bruins.