Panthers Reacquire Vinnie Hinostroza Before NHL Deadline

The Florida Panthers have brought back forward Vinnie Hinostroza in a trade with the Minnesota Wild, adding depth to their roster shortly before the NHL trade deadline.

The move was confirmed by Minnesota’s President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin, who said the Wild traded Hinostroza to Florida for future considerations. The deal was completed just hours before teams finalized their rosters ahead of the deadline.

Panthers Add Familiar Face

Hinostroza is not new to the Panthers organization. The forward previously joined Florida in 2020 after being signed by Panthers general manager Bill Zito during his early tenure with the team.

During that stint, Hinostroza appeared in a limited number of games and was at times used as a healthy scratch. Despite the brief period with the team, the Panthers are familiar with his playing style and versatility.

His return now comes at a time when Florida is looking to strengthen its lineup during the final stretch of the NHL season.

Performance With Minnesota This Season

The 31-year-old forward played 48 games with the Minnesota Wild this season. During that time, he recorded three goals and seven assists, finishing with 10 points.

Hinostroza also registered 46 shots on goal and delivered 30 hits during the season. Two of his assists came on the power play, while the rest of his points were produced during even-strength play.

While his numbers were modest, the Panthers are expected to benefit from his experience and flexibility in different forward roles.

Depth Move During Injury Challenges

Florida’s decision to bring Hinostroza back appears partly connected to injury concerns within the squad. Adding an experienced forward gives the coaching staff additional options as the team moves toward the closing stages of the season.

Hinostroza is currently on an expiring contract valued at $775,000 per year, making him a relatively low-risk addition for the Panthers.

Experienced NHL Journeyman

Over the course of his NHL career, Hinostroza has played for several teams. His past stops include the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, and the Minnesota Wild.

This experience across multiple teams has helped him develop a reputation as a reliable depth forward who can adapt to different roles when needed.

Strategic Move Before Playoff Push

Although the trade may not be among the biggest deals of the NHL deadline period, it could still prove valuable for the Panthers. Teams often look to add experienced players who can provide depth and support during the demanding final months of the season.

By bringing back a familiar player, Florida strengthens its roster options as it prepares for the remaining games of the campaign.

The Panthers will now hope Hinostroza’s return helps provide additional stability and depth as they aim to maintain momentum heading toward the NHL playoffs.