Panthers acquire G Vitek Vanecek from Sharks

Field Level Media|published: Wed 5th March, 12:48 2025

Mar 1, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; San Jose Sharks goalie Vitek Vanecek (41) stretches prior to the start of game against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The Florida Panthers acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday in exchange for forward Patrick Giles.

The trade comes one day after the Sharks held Vanecek out of the lineup for trade-related reasons.

By acquiring Vanecek, the Panthers are providing depth behind two-time Vezina Trophy recipient Sergei Bobrovsky. The team traded backup Spencer Knight and a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones and a fourth-round selection in 2026.

Vanecek, 29, owns a 3-10-3 record with a 3.88 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 18 games (17 starts) this season. He is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer.

Vanecek is 94-52-20 with a 2.82 GAA and .903 SP in 181 career games (169 starts) with the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils and Sharks.

Giles, 25, has seven points (five goals, two assists) in 39 games with Charlotte of the American Hockey League. He has yet to notch a point in nine games with the Panthers.

--Field Level Media