The Florida Panthers have made a strategic move by securing forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild. This acquisition comes in exchange for future considerations, as reported by The Athletic’s Michael Russo.
Vinnie Hinostroza’s Season Overview
At 31 years old, Hinostroza has played 48 games this season with the Wild, tallying three goals and ten points. His performance includes a notable stint where he scored five goals and eight points in just 25 games after joining the Wild midway through the 2024-25 season.
Trade Context
The Minnesota Wild’s decision to trade Hinostroza follows their acquisition of players Bobby Brink and Nick Foligno earlier on the same day. This move was necessary as the team needed to alleviate their forward roster.
Hinostroza’s Career Journey
- 2012 NHL Draft: Selected in the sixth round (169th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks.
- NHL Debut: Made his debut in the 2015-16 season with the Blackhawks.
- Career Highs: Achieved 16 goals, 23 assists, and 39 points in 72 games during the 2018-19 season with the Arizona Coyotes.
- Previous Teams: Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and Minnesota Wild.
Hinostroza also had a brief appearance in the playoffs, contributing two assists in nine games played across various teams. Currently, he is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, with a cap hit of $775,000 for his NHL salary.
Conclusion
This trade marks a significant moment in Hinostroza’s career as he returns to the Panthers, a team he briefly played for in the 2020-21 season. With his experience and skill set, the Panthers hope to enhance their forward depth as they navigate the current season.
