The Best Pets for Sports Lovers: Pets Who Keep Up With the Action

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For sports lovers, staying active isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life. Whether you’re into running, hiking, cycling, or playing outdoor games, you need a pet that can keep up with your high-energy lifestyle. Some pets are natural athletes, ready to accompany you on your adventures, while others may need a little training to match your pace.

If you’re a sports enthusiast looking for the perfect four-legged (or even two-legged) companion, this guide will help you find the best pet to match your energy levels and keep up with the action.

1. Dogs: The Ultimate Sports Companion

Dogs are undoubtedly the best pets for active individuals. They are loyal, energetic, and adaptable to various activities. Whether you love running, hiking, or agility sports, there’s a dog breed that will fit right into your routine.

Best Dog Breeds for Active People

If you’re looking for a canine partner that loves to stay on the move, consider the following breeds:

  • Border Collie – Known for their intelligence and agility, Border Collies are perfect for hiking, running, and dog sports like agility training.
  • Labrador Retriever – Labs are excellent swimmers, runners, and hiking buddies. Their enthusiasm and love for exercise make them perfect for active families.
  • Australian Shepherd – Highly intelligent and full of energy, Australian Shepherds thrive in active environments and are great at frisbee, running, and hiking.
  • Siberian Husky – These dogs were bred to pull sleds in the snow, meaning they have endurance and strength. Huskies are excellent for long-distance running and winter sports.
  • Belgian Malinois – A favorite among military and police forces, this breed is highly trainable, making them ideal for agility sports, obstacle courses, and high-intensity training.
  • Jack Russell Terrier – Small but incredibly energetic, Jack Russells are great for short-distance running, agility training, and even cycling alongside their owners.

Keeping Your Active Dog Engaged

For a sports lover, having a pet that enjoys exercise is crucial, but it’s equally important to keep them engaged. Here are some great ways to bond with your dog while staying active:

  • Trail Running and Hiking – Many breeds enjoy exploring nature and can handle different terrains.
  • Canicross – This sport involves running with your dog harnessed to you, helping both of you get a great workout.
  • Dock Diving – If your dog loves water, dock diving is a fantastic sport where they jump off a platform into the water.
  • Agility Training – Setting up obstacle courses and training your dog to run through them can be an exciting way to stay active together.

Nutrition and Training for Active Dogs

Active dogs need a well-balanced diet to maintain their energy levels. High-protein food and hydration are essential, and treats play a crucial role in reinforcing good behavior during training.

If you’re serious about training your dog, consider a training treats subscription to ensure you always have high-quality, nutritious rewards on hand. These subscriptions provide a steady supply of healthy treats designed to fuel your pup’s energy and focus during training sessions.

2. Cats: Athletic and Agile Companions

Cats may not seem like the ideal pet for a sports enthusiast, but some breeds are surprisingly energetic. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet that still enjoys activity, consider an athletic cat breed.

Best Cat Breeds for Active People

  • Bengal – This breed is highly energetic and loves to climb, jump, and explore.
  • Abyssinian – Known for their curiosity and agility, Abyssinians enjoy playing fetch and engaging in interactive games.
  • Siamese – Siamese cats are social and playful, often enjoying running around the house or chasing toys.
  • Savannah Cat – A hybrid of a domestic cat and a wild African serval, this breed is incredibly athletic and enjoys playing in large spaces.

Keeping Your Cat Active

While cats don’t require outdoor adventures like dogs, you can still keep them active in fun ways:

  • Interactive Toys – Laser pointers, feather wands, and treat-dispensing toys can keep cats engaged.
  • Agility Courses – Some cat owners train their felines for agility courses, which involve jumping through hoops and navigating obstacles.
  • Leash Training – Some breeds, like Bengals and Savannah cats, can be trained to walk on a leash, making them great hiking companions.

3. Horses: The Perfect Partner for Equestrian Sports

If you’re into horseback riding, a horse is the ultimate sports pet. Whether you enjoy dressage, trail riding, or endurance racing, horses are magnificent animals that bring both athleticism and companionship.

Best Horse Breeds for Active Owners

  • Thoroughbred – Known for their speed and agility, Thoroughbreds excel in racing and jumping.
  • Arabian – A strong endurance breed, Arabians are ideal for long-distance trail riding and endurance sports.
  • Quarter Horse – Perfect for rodeo events and sprinting sports, this breed is versatile and powerful.
  • Warmbloods – Ideal for show jumping and dressage, Warmbloods are a great choice for competitive riders.

Horses require dedicated care, training, and physical conditioning, making them a serious commitment. However, for an equestrian sports lover, they provide an unbeatable combination of athleticism and companionship.

4. Birds: Energetic and Interactive Pets

If you’re looking for a pet that’s full of energy but requires less space than a dog or a horse, certain birds might be a great fit.

Best Bird Breeds for Active Owners

  • Macaws – These large parrots are intelligent and playful, often enjoying physical activity like climbing and flying.
  • Cockatoos – Highly social and energetic, Cockatoos love to move around and play.
  • Parrotlets – Small but full of energy, Parrotlets enjoy interactive games and flying around the house.

Birds require mental stimulation and physical activity, so providing them with plenty of toys, climbing structures, and flight time is essential.

5. Ferrets: Playful and Agile

Ferrets are small, high-energy pets that love to run, jump, and explore. They make excellent companions for people who enjoy interactive playtime and engaging activities.

Keeping Your Ferret Active

  • Tunnels and Mazes – Ferrets love exploring tunnels, so creating a maze can keep them engaged.
  • Playtime with Toys – Balls, ropes, and other interactive toys provide great exercise.
  • Leash Training – Some ferret owners train their pets to walk on a leash, making them fun outdoor companions.

Ferrets need plenty of stimulation to stay happy and healthy, making them a great choice for sports lovers who enjoy active play.

6. Exotic Pets: Unconventional but Active

For those looking for a unique pet that can keep up with an active lifestyle, consider exotic pets like:

  • Goats – Surprisingly agile, goats are great for hiking and can navigate rugged terrains.
  • Potbellied Pigs – Intelligent and trainable, some pigs enjoy outdoor play and agility training.
  • Rabbits – Certain breeds, like the Flemish Giant and Mini Rex, are energetic and enjoy interactive play.

Exotic pets require specialized care, but if you’re up for the challenge, they can be wonderful companions for active owners.

Choosing the Best Pet for Your Lifestyle

When selecting a pet, consider your activity level, available space, and commitment to training. While dogs are the most common choice for sports lovers, other pets can also provide companionship and activity. Whether you’re running marathons, hiking mountains, or engaging in agility sports, there’s a pet out there that can keep up with your energy.

If you’re planning to train your pet, remember to use positive reinforcement techniques and invest in high-quality treats. A training treats subscription can make the process smoother by ensuring you always have healthy rewards to encourage good behavior.

Finding the perfect active pet is about more than just exercise—it’s about forming a bond with an animal that shares your passion for movement and adventure. So, whether you choose a dog, horse, bird, or even a ferret, your active lifestyle will be all the more rewarding with a companion who’s just as enthusiastic as you are!

Panthers Defenseman Aaron Ekblad Suspended 20 Games

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Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended 20 games, without pay, for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, the NHL announced on Monday.

 

Ekblad, 29, had 3 goals, 30 assists and 33 points in 56 games this season. The Panthers’ top-pair defenseman was riding a season best six-game point streak (7 points) prior to the suspension.

 

The Panthers have 18 games remaining in the regular season, meaning Ekblad’s suspension will run through the first two games of the playoffs — if the Panthers qualify.

 

Ekblad released the following statement, via the NHLPA:

 

“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.

 

I have let my teammates down, the Panthers organization and our great fans down. For that, I am truly sorry. I have accepted responsibility for my mistake and will be fully prepared to return to my team when my suspension is over. I have learned a hard lesson and cannot wait to be back with my teammates.”

 

The NHL said they “will have no further comment on this matter.”

Heat Drop Third Straight in Frustrating Loss to Bulls: Another Chapter of Familiar Disappointment

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The Miami Heat’s 114-109 loss to the Chicago Bulls tonight at the Kaseya Center felt less like a standalone game and more like a grim highlight reel of their season’s recurring flaws. It was, unfortunately, just another chapter in a frustrating narrative of blown leads, maddening inconsistency, and a persistent inability to execute when it matters most. On a night where the Heat had a chance to hit the reset button, with their post Jimmy starting lineup on the floor, the team and Coach Spo once again faltered.

For a fleeting moment, there was a glimmer of hope. The Heat, fueled by flashes of brilliance from Bam Adebayo (22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists) and Tyler Herro (21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists), surged ahead, building a 36-24 first-quarter lead that, in a perfect world, should have been insurmountable (lead was up to 17 early in the third). But as has become painfully predictable, that lead proved as solid as a sandcastle in a rising tide.

The Bulls, with Josh Giddey (26 points, 10 rebounds, 12 assists) orchestrating the offense and Zach Collins adding 18 points and 15 boards, steadily chipped away, exploiting the Heat’s all-too-familiar defensive lapses. Open looks were granted, rotations were slow, and the sense of urgency that should have been palpable was conspicuously absent.

The Heat’s offensive inconsistencies reared their ugly head once more. Periods of fluid ball movement and efficient scoring were punctuated by stretches of stagnant isolation plays and forced shots. The rhythm, so crucial for a team built on precision and execution, was lost, replaced by a disjointed, almost panicked approach. As the clock ticked down and the game hung in the balance, the Heat’s Achilles’ heel – their clutch-time struggles – was exposed in glaring detail. Missed threes (1-11 in the fourth), questionable shot selection, and a general lack of composure defined the final minutes. The Bulls, by contrast, displayed a veteran poise, executing their plays with precision and capitalizing on the Heat’s errors. Josh Giddey’s triple double drove the bulls throughout the game, and his steady hand in the clutch sealed the win.

This wasn’t a case of a superior opponent overpowering the Heat. It was a self-inflicted wound, a testament to the team’s inability to overcome its own internal demons. The blown lead wasn’t an anomaly; it was a symptom. The inconsistency wasn’t a fluke; it was a pattern. The poor clutch play wasn’t an aberration; it was a chronic condition.

The frustration radiating from the Heat faithful was palpable. They’ve witnessed this story unfold time and again: promising starts dissolving into disheartening finishes. The question has been whether this team, with its established core and experienced coach, can somehow break free from this cycle of mediocrity. But it doesn’t seem possible, and the same questions are left to be answered night after night.

The loss to the Bulls leaves the Heat with more questions than answers. Can they find a consistent offensive identity? Can they shore up their porous defense? And, most importantly, can they develop the mental fortitude to perform under pressure?

Until these questions are answered, the Heat will continue to be defined by their frustrating inconsistency, and nights like this will remain a painful reminder of what could have been. Tonight, it was just another chapter in a season rapidly turning into a tale of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. With the loss, the Heat fall to 29-34 and continue to struggle to find consistency in the top-heavy Eastern Conference.

Heat Fall Short in 106-104 Loss to Timberwolves

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Game Recap: Heat Fall Short in 106-104 Loss to Timberwolves

The Miami Heat gave the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves a tough challenge but ultimately fell 106-104 in a tightly contested battle. Despite a balanced scoring effort and a late push, Miami couldn’t capitalize on their final possession, as Bam Adebayo’s potential game-tying shot fell short at the buzzer.

Game Summary

  • First Quarter: The Timberwolves came out strong, scoring 33 points in the opening period behind efficient shooting from Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Miami struggled to keep up, trailing 33-25 after one.
  • Second Quarter: Miami responded with a strong second quarter, led by Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. The Heat outscored the Timberwolves 27-19 to cut the deficit to 52-52 at halftime.
  • Third Quarter: Both teams traded baskets in a competitive third quarter, with neither able to gain a significant edge. Miami and Minnesota both put up 28 points, keeping the game tied heading into the fourth.
  • Fourth Quarter: The final period was a battle, with Miami briefly taking a lead behind Duncan Robinson’s sharpshooting. However, Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels hit a crucial late bucket. Miami battled to until the whistle, resulting in a wild finish, one seen with Bam missing the game winner.

Key Player Performances

Miami Heat:

  • Bam Adebayo (29 PTS, 13 REB, 4 AST): Dominated the paint but couldn’t convert the game-tying shot.
  • Tyler Herro (22 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 4 3PT): Provided scoring and playmaking but struggled with efficiency (9-21 FG).
  • Duncan Robinson (15 PTS, 4-7 3PT): Gave Miami a spark off the bench with his three-point shooting.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

  • Naz Reid (15 PTS, 6 REB, 3 3PT): Naz Reid was stretching the floor and hitting big shots.
  • Anthony Edwards (13 PTS, 13 REB, 6 AST): Despite a quiet scoring night, he impacted the game in multiple ways.
  • Jaden McDaniels (15 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST): Hit the clutch shot to push the Wolves ahead late.

Miami Heat’s Clutch Woes Continue in Costly Loss to Timberwolves

The Miami Heat had their opportunities. Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson all got clean looks from beyond the arc in the final minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves. None of them fell. It was a frustratingly familiar script in what ended as a 106-104 loss on Friday night.

This homestand was supposed to be an opportunity to turn things around. Sitting three games below .500 entering the stretch, the Heat needed at least a 4-1 record to climb back to level. With matchups against the Clippers and Celtics still ahead, along with games against the Bulls and Hornets, the margin for error was already razor-thin. That margin is now gone.

Clutch Time Struggles

Miami’s inability to execute in tight games has become a glaring issue. According to the NBA’s definition of “clutch” situations (games within five points in the final five minutes), the Heat are now 13-19. One major reason? Their shooting in these moments has been abysmal. The Heat are just 34-for-134 on clutch three-point attempts this season, ranking second-worst in the NBA behind only Memphis. It played out once again against Minnesota, where three quality attempts in the closing moments simply wouldn’t drop.

Energy Spark, but Not Enough

The Heat showed flashes of brilliance late, sparking an 8-0 run in just 20 seconds. Adebayo hit a tough contested three, followed by back-to-back steals that led to a Robinson triple and a Bam dunk. Defense, as always, was the catalyst. This run in the third got Miami back in the game. But in the end, execution in the half-court offense failed them, and the Timberwolves escaped with the win. The Heat had three looks to tie the game (Herro, Bam, Duncan) and missed all of them.

The game ended up having a roller coaster finish, one with a controversial ending according to coach Spo- “We did not execute & get what we wanted, with that said, Bam got fouled… league don’t fine me, I’m not doing histrionics, I’m fully in control. At any point of the game, that’s a foul… in the first quarter, that’s a foul.”

The Rotating Lineups

For the fifth straight game, Miami rolled out a different starting lineup—its 19th of the season. Friday night’s unit consisted of Herro, Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, Kevin Love, and Pelle Larsson. It marked Larsson’s second start of the year, one over Terry Rozier, who had struggled mightily in the previous game against Cleveland. While coach Erik Spoelstra has praised his team’s adaptability, the constant changes highlight a lack of continuity that has plagued Miami throughout the season.

Off the bench, Haywood Highsmith was the first sub in, followed by Robinson, then Kyle Anderson and Jaime Jaquez Jr., with Rozier entering as the 10th man. The Heat continue to rely on plug-and-play veterans, but the lack of a consistent rotation has made it difficult to establish rhythm.

Spoelstra’s Challenge: Process vs. Results

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra continues to emphasize staying committed to the process. “This is the thing, when we’re playing all these tight games and really close, competitive games, this is what I remind the locker room: we have to stay so laser-focused into the process, and not just the result,” Spoelstra said pregame.

However, results do matter. With Miami still below .500 and battling for playoff positioning, the time for process-oriented patience is running out. As Spoelstra himself acknowledged, “If we want to quiet the noise, we find a way to win. And we have to take all the responsibility if we don’t.” Miami has shown the ability to compete amongst the league’s top teams but consistently struggles with well, consistency. The blown leads, the scoring droughts, and the defensive lapses all have led to this middle of the road season.

Postgame- Spo: “I really commend our guys, laying it out there, really competing, making great efforts. Inspiring to watch. Even w/ this result, I hope Heat Nation/fans can appreciate how hard our guys are competing. We ain’t going anywhere. We’re going to get this right.”

The Road Ahead

The Heat are in a critical stretch. This homestand was their chance to prove they belong among the better teams in the East. Instead, the loss to Minnesota has put them in an even tougher position. Miami continues to tread water as the East’s 7th seed and will need to go on a run to have any chance of escaping the play-in. With that said the Heat have to finish games and be able to score in the clutch. Miami returns to action at 8:00 pm tomorrow (3/8) against the Bulls.

Panthers Acquire Brad Marchand From Bruins

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Bill Zito made a huge last minute splash as the 3 p.m. ET NHL trade deadline hit. 

 

The Florida Panthers acquired forward Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2027, the team announced Friday.

 

If Marchand plays in 50% or more of the Panthers’ playoff games, the pick becomes a 2028 first, according to Panthers GM Bill Zito.

 

“Brad is one of the most battle-hardened forwards in NHL history and a veteran who displays a relentless compete level whenever he steps onto the ice,” said Zito. “A champion and a proven leader in the locker room, Brad is the right fit for our club to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”

 

Marchand, 36, spent his entire 16-year NHL career in Boston. A Stanley Cup champion in 2011, Marchand has captained the Bruins for the past two seasons.

 

In 1,090 career NHL games, Marchand scored 422 goals, 554 points and 976 points. The veteran forward has also appeared in 157 playoff games, putting up 56 goals, 82 assists and 138 points. 

 

The Panthers will have to wait to wait a bit to utilize Marchand’s services, he’s out “a couple weeks” with an upper-body injury, per Zito. In order to make the money work, the Bruins retained “about half” of Marchand’s $6,125,000 contract. He’s a pending an unrestricted free agent.

 

Last month, Marchand was teammates with Panthers forwards Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart, where the trio won gold with Team Canada. Bennett and Marchand played on Canada’s fourth-line, forming a formidable partnership with their similar — highly physical — play styles.

 

As for his new team, Marchand will be more than familiar with this Panthers squad. He faced them in the past two postseasons, with the Panthers defeating his Bruins both times en route to consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances. 

Panthers Defeat Blue Jackets for Fifth Straight Win, Bobrovsky Moves to 10th in All-Time Wins

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SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers extended its win streak to five games on Thursday night after taking down the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 at Amerant Bank Arena. 

 

Sergei Bobrovsky had 16 saves in a shutout performance to pick up his 27th win of the season and 423rd of his career, tying Tony Esposito for 10th most wins in NHL history. 

 

The Panthers improved to 39-21-3 on the season and took over sole possession of first in the Atlantic Division 

 

Despite the result, Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins played a great game, stopping 33 of 35 shots faced in the loss. 

 

On the Panthers second power-play of the game, Sam Reinhart opened the scoring 5:58 into the first with his team-leading 32nd goal of the season, snapping an eight-game goal drought. 

 

Reinhart’s 10 power-play goals is second most on the Panthers, trailing only Matthew Tkachuk (11). With that, he became the fifth player in NHL history with consecutive seasons of 5-plus shorthanded goals, 10-plus power play goals, and 15-plus even strength goals. The other four are all in the Hall of Fame: (Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman).

 

The 29-year-old leads the Panthers in scoring with 67 points (32 goals, 35 assists) in 63 games this season. He finished the night with three points (1 goal, 2 assists).

 

Mackie Samoskevich also found the back of the net on the power play 6:33 into the second, scoring his 11th goal of the season to put the Panthers up 2-0.

 

Samoskevich is one of 10 rookies to have at least 10 goals in the NHL this season.  

 

After going a perfect seven-for-seven on the penalty kill last game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Panthers PK unit had another great night, killing off all four Blue Jackets power plays.

 

They are 17-for-18 on the PK out of the 4 Nations break.

 

Aleksander Barkov iced the game with an empty net goal, matching Reinhart with a three-point performance (1 goal, 2 assists). 

 

The Panthers will look to extend its win streak to six games on Saturday night as they host the Buffalo Sabres in Sunrise.

 

PANTHERS NOTES 

Florida made two trades on Thursday, acquiring forward Nico Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round pick, from the Sharks in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. 

 

Sturm is expected to be a fourth-line center option, a role which Tomas Nosek currently holds. 

 

The Panthers also made an AHL goalie swap with the Winnipeg Jets, sending Chris Driedger to his hometown team for Kaapo Kahkonen. 

 

Driedger backed up Bobrovsky on Monday after the Panthers sent Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Seth Jones trade. 

 

The NHL trade deadline is Friday, March 7 at 3 p.m. ET.

Panthers Acquire Goaltender Vitek Vanecek From Sharks

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Four days after trading Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers have a new backup goaltender. 

 

The Panthers acquired Vitek Vanecek from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for prospect Patrick Giles, the team announced on Wednesday. 

 

Vanecek, 29, was 3-10-3 in 18 games this season (17 starts) with a rebuilding Sharks team. The Czech native posted a 3.88 goals against average (GAA), and a .882 save percentage — both career-lows.

 

In his five-year NHL career, Vanecek is 94-52-20 in 181 games (169 starts), with a 2.82 GAA and .903 save percentage. 

 

Giles, 25, has spent most of this season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers — putting up 5 goals, 2 assists and 7 points in 39 games. The 6-foot-5 forward played in nine games this season with the Panthers.

 

After placing forward Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR Sunday, the Panthers had $8.7M of cap space to work with, per PuckPedia.



Vaneck — an unrestricted free agent this offseason — has a cap hit of $3.4M. The Sharks didn’t retain any salary, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. 

 

The Panthers still have around $5.3M of cap space if they wanted any more moves before Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

 

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press was first to report the trade

Barkov Scores Twice in Win Over Lightning, Jones Makes Panthers Debut

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SUNRISE, Fla. — Aleksander Barkov stole the show Monday night at Amerant Bank Arena.


The Florida Panthers captain scored twice as he led his team to a 2-1 victory over their in-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning. 

 

Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 28 of 29 shots to pick his 26th win of the season. The 36-year-old goaltender has given up just one goal in his past two starts.

 

“The atmosphere was great,” Bobrovsky said of the rivalry matchup. “Obviously they got a good team. We got a good team. It’s fun hockey.”

 

The Panthers improved to 38-21-3 and are now tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the Atlantic Division lead (Toronto has game in hand) with 79 points. 

 

“I think that we had a good effort all game,” Barkov said. “We knew that they are a good team and have been playing really well, so we had to be at our best. I think we did a lot of good things throughout the whole game. 

 

He added: “Obviously at the end when we had to defend, [Bobrovsky] was there for us and gave us a chance to win.”

 

Andrei Vasilevky had 27 saves as the Lightning moved to 35-21-4 on the year following the loss.

 

Brayden Point got the lone goal for the Lightning, scoring his 32nd of the season 2:07 into the to end Bobrovsky’s attempt at consecutive shutouts. 

 

Another storyline entering Monday’s Battle of Florida was the highly anticipated Panthers debut for Seth Jones. 

 

Jones was acquired on Saturday in a blockbuster trade in which the Panthers sent goaltender Spencer Knight and a first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in return for the five-time All-Star,

 

Head coach Paul Maurice didn’t waste any time putting his new blueliner to use. The 30-year-old played 22:56 of ice time and found himself playing special teams on one of the Panthers’ penalty kill units. 

 

“He’s going to be really good for us,” Maurice said. “For flying from Anaheim yesterday to get here, and then to have everything be brand new… I was really pleased at his ability to process and play the game. We’ll get the systems down, we’ll get all the other stuff down which will make him faster.”

 

Speaking of special teams, it was a busy but successful night as the Panthers were a perfect seven-for-seven on the PK — including a big kill on a double-minor towards the end of the second period.

On the other side of the man-advantage, Barkov beat Vaslevskiy from the bumper for his second goal of the game — going one-for-three on the power play.

 

“Our penalty killing won us the game,” Maurice said. “Bobrovsky is just a huge part of that — especially with Mikkola in the box for the first four [minutes]. And then Luostarinen takes a four minute [penalty]. We got killers and that’s where Seth [Jones] was real valuable tonight.”

 

Riding a four game win streak, the Panthers will be back in action on Thursday, as they host a Columbus Blue Jackets team that is fighting for a playoff spot.

Panthers Place Forward Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR

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One day after acquiring five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones in a blockbuster trade from the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers made another move on Sunday.

 

The Panthers placed star forward Matthew Tkachuk on the long-term injured reserve list (LTIR), according to Puckpedia.

 

Tkachuk hasn’t played since he sustained an apparent groin injury while playing at the 4 Nations Face-Off with Team USA last month.

 

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said last week the 27-year-old would play for the team again this season.

 

In 52 games this season, Tkachuk was scoring at over a point-per-game rate, with 22 goals, 35 assists for 57 points.

 

The Panthers have $8,705,000 of cap space to work with now that they’ve placed Tkachuk — who has a cap hit of $9.5M — on LTIR. Before a player can return from LTIR, they must miss at least 10 games and be out for 24 days.

 

A player can be placed on LTIR retroactive to the last game they played — Tkachuk has been out since Feb 22, making the first game he’s eligible to return on March 20.

 

After trading goaltender Spencer Knight to the Blackhawks on Saturday for Jones, the Panthers dipped into the LTIR pool to call up goaltender Chris Driedger, who has a cap hit of $795k, from the Charlotte Checkers (AHL).

 

Driedger will serve as backup to Sergei Bobrovsky.

 

If the Panthers choose to spend more of the LTIR funds before the NHL trade deadline on March 7, it would make it highly unlikely for Tkachuk to return before the end of the regular season — barring another huge trade to clear money — as they’d need to be cap compliant.

Panthers Acquire Defenseman Seth Jones, Send Goaltender Spencer Knight to Blackhawks

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The Florida Panthers have acquired defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for goaltender Spencer Knight, and a conditional first-round pick, the Florida Panthers announced on Saturday . 

 

The Panthers will also be getting a 2026 fourth-round pick back from the Blackhawks in the deal.

 

Jones, 30, is on year 3 of an 8-year deal that carries an AAV of $9.5M. The Blackhawks are retaining approximately 26% of Jones’ salary, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. 

 

“Seth is an elite veteran defenseman and a proven leader in our league,” said Panthers GM Bill Zito after the trade. “He has been one of the most consistent players of the past decade serving as a reliable workhorse on both sides of the puck, and he will help our club continue to compete at the highest level.”


A  2013 fourth-overall pick by the Nashville Predators, Jones has appeared in 839 NHL games, scoring 97 goals and 335 assists for 432 points. In 42 games this season with the Blackhawks, Jones recorded 27 points (7-20-27). The 6-foot-4 blueliner has been named an NHL All-Star five times in his career. 

 

Knight — the Panthers 13th overall pick in 2019 — went 44-25-7 in 80 career appearances (70 starts) with the team, poosting a 2.76 GAA, .902 save percentage and 3 shutouts. This season he went 12-8-1 with a 2.40 GAA, percentage.

 

“On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we would like to thank Spencer for his many contributions to our club and the South Florida community both on and off the ice,” Zito said of Knight. “He is a first-class individual and we wish him success in his young professional career.”

 

Knight was in the second season of a 3-year deal, with an AAV of $4.5M. He will be a restricted free agent at the end of his contract.