Panthers sign Tyler Muszelik to entry-level contract
A talented collegiate netminder has signed his first NHL contract.
On Monday, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito announced that the team has signed goaltender Tyler Muszelik to a two-year, entry-level contract. The deal will begin during the 2026-27 season.
We have agreed to terms with goaltender Tyler Muszelik on a two-year, entry-level contract commencing in 2026-27. 📝 » flapanthers.co/Muszelik_signed
Muszelik was originally taken by the Panthers in the sixth round, 189th overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft. Since then, he has worked his way to becoming one of the best backstops in the NCAA ranks.
In a statement, Zito admitted he’s excited to see Muszelik develop is game even further in the pro ranks.
“Tyler is a talented and hard-working goaltender who has displayed strong growth and poise throughout his four seasons in college hockey,” Zito said. “We are excited for him to begin his professional career within our organization and Goaltending Excellence Department.” Â
Muszelik’s college career came to an end last Thursday, when he and the Connecticut Huskies were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Michigan State. Muszelik was outdueled by Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect and Mike Richter Award finalist Trey Augustine.
It didn’t take away from what was an incredible season by Muszelik. In his second season with the program, the senior was the uncontested No. 1 goaltender, helping UConn make it to the Hockey East final before losing to Merrimack. Yet, it was enough to get the Huskies into the national tournament for the second year in a row.
The 21-year-old posted the best numbers of his career, going 19-11-5 in 35 games, delivering a 2.21 goals-against average, a .926 save percentage and three shutouts. He was named a Hockey East Third-Team All-Star.
Muszelik’s performance came after he split the 2024-25 season with New York Rangers prospect Callum Tung, as the duo helped UConn reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history.
Prior to moving to Storrs, the Long Valley, N.J. native spent two years at the University of New Hampshire, transferring to the conference rival after his sophomore season.
In 78 NCAA appearances, Muszelik posted a record of 40-27-10, with a 2.51 GAA, a .911 SV% and six shutouts.
Internationally, Muszelik was part of the United States’ run to the silver medal at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship.