Sandis Vilmanis to Make NHL Debut for Panthers Against Senators

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis, a 21-year-old fifth-round pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, is set to make his NHL debut Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators. Vilmanis is coming off a strong season with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, where he co-leads the team with 19 points in 31 games. This debut caps an eventful week for Vilmanis, who was also recently named to Team Latvia for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He is expected to skate on a line with Luke Kunin and Jack Studnicka.