The Florida Panthers have acquired forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for future considerations, the team announced. The move was confirmed by Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito.
Veteran forward returns to Florida
Hinostroza, 31, appeared in 48 games with the Minnesota Wild during the 2025–26 season, recording 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists).
The 5-foot-10, 183-pound forward from Chicago, Illinois has played 460 career NHL games with the Wild (2024–25 to 2025–26), Nashville Predators (2024–25), Pittsburgh Penguins (2023–24), Buffalo Sabres (2021–22 to 2022–23), Chicago Blackhawks (2015–16 to 2017–18 and 2020–21), Florida Panthers (2020–21), and Arizona Coyotes (2018–19 to 2019–20).
Across his NHL career, Hinostroza has recorded 171 points (62 goals, 109 assists).
Strong track record in the AHL
Hinostroza has also played 188 career American Hockey League (AHL) games over parts of seven seasons with the Rockford IceHogs, Rochester Americans, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and Milwaukee Admirals, collecting 159 points (62 goals, 97 assists).
He was selected to the AHL All-Star Game in both 2017–18 and 2024–25.
College and international experience
Before turning professional, Hinostroza played two seasons at the University of Notre Dame (2013–14 to 2014–15), recording 76 points (19 goals, 57 assists) in 76 games.
During his sophomore season, he led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) and was named to the NCAA (Hockey East) First All-Star Team.
Internationally, Hinostroza has represented the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Championship and the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Draft history
Hinostroza was originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
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