The Panthers and forward MacKenzie Entwistle have agreed to a two-year, two-way deal to keep him in the Florida organization, the team announced. The contract carries a $775K NHL salary and a $450K AHL salary each season, per PuckPedia.
Entwistle initially joined the Cats on a two-way deal last offseason after being non-tendered by the Blackhawks, who drafted him in the third round in 2017. Florida tendered him a qualifying offer earlier this week, making him a restricted free agent.
The deal amounts to a do-over between the 6’3″ winger and the Panthers. Entwistle, who turns 26 later this month, didn’t see NHL ice at all in 2024-25 and was limited by an injury to just seven games with AHL Charlotte, scoring a goal and an assist. He managed to return later in their run to the Calder Cup Final, scoring two goals and an assist in eight playoff games.
A power forward at his core, Entwistle once looked like he could be a full-time NHLer. He may have more seasons ahead of him with top-level games, but he’s topped out as a fourth-line piece at best. He scored 15 goals, 20 assists, and 35 points with a -55 rating in 193 NHL games over four seasons with Chicago, averaging 11:12 per night.
He’ll be destined for waivers again in the fall and, if he clears again, will look to be more effective and healthy for Charlotte. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions have filled 41 of 50 contract slots for this season.