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Florida Panthers officially sign former Maple Leafs forward ahead of opening night matchup against Blackhawks

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Sam Walker
October 7, 2025 (9:48)

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The Florida Panthers are going down to the final day of the NHL regular season start to get their last-minute lineup additions in, as they've announced a signing of a former Toronto Maple Leafs forward ahead of their first game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Moments ago, the Panthers released the following statement:

"Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Noah Gregor on a one-year, two-way contract.

The 6-foot, 201-pound native of Beaumont, Alberta skated in 52 games between the San Jose Sharks and Ottawa Senators in 2024-25, compiling seven points (4-3-7) and 94 hits.

Gregor has skated in 293 NHL games between San Jose (2019-20 to 2022-23, 2024-25), Ottawa (2024-25) and the Toronto Maple Leafs (2023-24), amassing 70 points (36-34-70) and 553 hits. Since joining the NHL in 2019-20, his 553 hits rank fourth among Alberta-born NHLers."

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Noah Gregor will provide a great level of depth for the Panthers

While the signing of Gregor is interesting from a Blackhawks fan's POV, general manager Kyle Davidson should certainly take note of this sneaky Panthers addition by GM Bill Zito.

Gregor, 27, is a very great depth and utility piece for any organization battling injuries.

The Panthers in this case are going through loss of their captain for the entire 2025-26 season.

Gregor donned the Original Six Maple Leaf in the 2023-24 season for 63 games, tallying 12 points and averaging just over 11:00 minutes of ice time per game.

"Noah Gregor is on pace for 14 goals while averaging the fourth most shorthanded minutes per game among Leafs forwards.

They're getting some real good value out of his $775K."

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A solid pickup for the Panthers, but one that comes with some questions still needing to be answered as Florida has yet to disclose his contract value (AAV).

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Crushing injury news and a Blackhawks star will miss Chicago's first game of the season against the Panthers

Seth Jones reveals a rift between him and the Chicago Blackhawks' Nick Foligno

Connor Bedard shares insights of preparations ahead of season opener against the Florida Panthers

POLL
OCTOBRE 7 \| 131 ANSWERS Florida Panthers officially sign former Maple Leafs forward ahead of opening night matchup against Blackhawks Do you think the Florida Panthers will tower over the Chicago Blackhawks in their first game of the NHL season?
Yes	54	41.2 %
Maybe	53	40.5 %
No, Chicago will win	24	18.3 %
List of polls

Florida Panthers officially sign former Maple Leafs forward ahead of opening night matchup against Blackhawks

The Florida Panthers are going down to the final day of the NHL regular season start to get their last-minute lineup additions in, as they've announced a signing of a former Toronto Maple Leafs forward ahead of their first game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday.

Noah Gregor will provide a great level of depth for the Panthers

Do you think the Florida Panthers will tower over the Chicago Blackhawks in their first game of the NHL season?