Panthers lose 27-year old forward to contract in Switzerland

The Florida Panthers are bringing back the vast majority of their 2025 Stanley Cup championship roster.

That means it could be tough for a depth player to break through, though.

That's what Rasmus Asplund saw, and so he chose to depart for a new opportunity.

The depth forward is signing a two-year contract in the Swiss National League with HC Davos, the team announced.

Asplund is 27 years old, and he played in six NHL games with Florida in 2024-25. He was a strong player for AHL Charlotte, with 20 goals and 23 assists in 63 games.

A native of Sweden, Asplund was originally a second-round pick by the Sabres in 2016.

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He spent his first four NHL seasons with Buffalo. In 2021-22, he had his most success, scoring eight goals with 19 assists.

Asplund spent the second half of the 2022-23 season with Nashville.

He didn't get back into NHL action until this winter with Florida. He didn't record a point in his 47:35 total of action across his six games.

The Panthers aren't dealt a big blow by this move, but it's notable anytime a player chooses to move on rather than return. Asplund may find better hockey for himself in his new home, while the Panthers will try to keep doing what they're doing in the NHL.

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