Panthers Lock Up Akira Schmid, Avoid Arbitration Headache

The Florida Panthers and goaltender Akira Schmid have agreed to a two-year deal that keeps the netminder in South Florida while sidestepping what could have been a messy arbitration hearing. Schmid's contract extension signals the Panthers' confidence in him as part of their goaltending future, even as the team continues to evaluate its roster. The deal provides both sides with certainty and avoids the public airing of grievances that arbitration cases often produce.