Lopina was released from his professional tryout Tuesday and will report to AHL Charlotte.
Lopina was quite the long shot to make the Opening Night roster coming out of training camp, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see him being released this early. Without an NHL deal, Lopina won't be eligible to be called up from the minors, so look for him to play the entire 2025-26 campaign with the Checkers.
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Panthers' Josh Lopina: Secures PTO
Rotowire
Lopina signed a professional tryout agreement with Florida on Friday, according to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli.
Lopina has spent the last four seasons with AHL San Diego, managing three goals and 10 assists across 62 regular-season appearances in 2024-25. He was unable to receive a qualifying offer from the Ducks at the completion of the season and will try to make enough of an impression on the Panthers to ink a minor-league deal for the upcoming season.
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Josh Lopina: Poised for free agency
Rotowire
Lopina didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Ducks on Monday, making him eligible for unrestricted free agency.
Lopina produced three goals and 13 points in 62 regular-season games with AHL San Diego in 2024-25. The 24-year-old forward doesn't have any NHL experience.
