SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zitoannounced today that the club has acquired forward Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round selection from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Florida’s 2026 fourth-round selection.

The San Jose Sharks on Thursday traded center Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Florida Panthers for a 2026 fourth-round selection. The trade is the second between the Sharks and Panthers in as many days. On Wednesday, San Jose sent goalie Vitek Vanecek to Florida for forward Patrick Giles.

The Florida Panthers agreed to trade forward Patrick Giles to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for goalie Vitek Vanecek, the teams announced Wednesday.

The Lightning and Panthers GMs never complain about salary cap constraints. They don't worry about how difficult it seems to be to make trades in the NHL. They just make them, says Ken Campbell.

While the Tampa Bay Lightning answered the cross-state-rival and defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers' activity ahead of the NHL trade deadline with a big move of their own Wednesday to bolster their playoff chances,

The Lighting paid a steep price -- two first-round picks -- for Gourde and Bjorkstrand but they're two players who should fit in perfectly.