Toby Bjornfot Seizes His Moment in Panthers’ Win Over Blackhawks
FORT LAUDERDALE - For a player like Toby Bjornfot, nights like Sunday don’t come around often. And when they do, you make them count. The 22nd overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft did just that, delivering a performance that won’t soon be forgotten - not by the Florida Panthers, and certainly not by Bjornfot himself.
Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Blackhawks, Bjornfot had just one NHL goal to his name. That came nearly three years ago, back on May 1, 2021, during the COVID-shortened season. Since then, he’s bounced between teams, logged countless hours in the AHL, and quietly put in the work that rarely makes headlines.
But on this night, Bjornfot’s name was front and center. He opened the scoring with a goal that gave Florida a 1-0 lead - and then added another for good measure in a 5-1 win over Chicago.
Two goals in one night, doubling his career total in a single game. It was the kind of breakout moment every depth player dreams of.
And make no mistake - his teammates were just as fired up about it as he was.
“What impresses me most about Toby is how hard he works on nights when he’s not in the lineup to stay ready, to stay right,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “Everyone needs a good day every once in a while.
He’s not here to score goals. He gets two, and he’ll never forget tonight.
And we’re really happy for him.”
That’s the thing about Bjornfot. He’s not the guy you expect to light up the scoresheet.
He’s not on the power play, and he’s not getting top-pair minutes. But what he brings is consistency, effort, and a readiness that coaches love and teammates respect.
The Long Road to Sunrise
Bjornfot’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Florida claimed him off waivers from Vegas on NHL Trade Deadline day in 2024. Since then, he’s mostly been a depth piece - a name on the roster, a presence at practice, but rarely in the lineup.
Sunday marked just his 20th game with the Panthers across parts of three seasons. Much of his time has been spent in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers, where he’s been a steady contributor. Last season, he played a key role in Charlotte’s run to the Calder Cup Final - a testament to his development and value at the minor league level.
When Seth Jones went down at the Winter Classic, the Panthers needed a body. Bjornfot got the call.
But even then, he had to wait his turn. Donovan Sebrango was slotted in first.
It wasn’t until last Saturday’s game in Washington that Bjornfot got back into the lineup - and he’s made every shift count since.
In that first game back, he registered two shots on goal and four shot attempts. Not bad for a guy trying to shake off the rust and make a case for more ice time.
“I just wanted to come in and be aggressive, not play it safe,” Bjornfot said before the Panthers hit the road for what turned out to be a 3-0 trip. “I have been on my toes a bit. Keep playing aggressive hockey is key for me.”
Finding His Fit in Florida
The Panthers saw something in Bjornfot when they picked him up - not just a player with first-round pedigree, but someone who could grow into their system. He had NHL experience with the Kings, who drafted him, and a brief stint with Vegas. But when the Golden Knights tried to send him to their AHL affiliate in Henderson, Florida jumped in.
With the cap flexibility and roster space to carry him, the Panthers kept him around. He only played in one game during their 2024 Stanley Cup run, but he was there for the whole ride - practicing, traveling, staying ready. That kind of behind-the-scenes presence doesn’t show up on stat sheets, but it matters in a locker room.
“I am very comfortable here,” Bjornfot said. “The guys are fantastic and so are the coaches and the staff.
This entire organization has been great to me, and I have known everyone here for a while now. So, that comfort level certainly helps.”
He’s had other call-ups before. Injuries and suspensions opened the door for 14 games last season.
But he’s also been sent back down - most recently in favor of Jaycob Megna. That’s the life of a depth defenseman in the NHL: always on the bubble, always waiting for the next shot.
Now, he’s getting another chance - and making the most of it.
“This is a great opportunity,” Bjornfot said. “Being part of this is great.
Sitting out, not playing, it’s not fun, you know? I am just so happy to be back playing and to have a good year with Charlotte.”
What’s Next
The Panthers return home Tuesday night to host the Utah Mammoth at Amerant Bank Arena. Florida leads the season series 1-0 after a 4-3 win in Utah back in December. Historically, Florida has had the edge in this matchup, with a 24-20-0 record and three ties against the franchise formerly known as the Coyotes.
After Tuesday’s game, the Panthers will hit the road again for a Thursday night tilt against the St. Louis Blues.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Toby Bjornfot - a player who’s waited patiently for his moment, and when it finally came, delivered in a big way.