Thu Mar 06 18:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Panthers Acquire Center Nico Sturm from Sharks in Mid-Season Trade

**Sunrise, FL – March 6, 2025** – The Florida Panthers have bolstered their forward depth, acquiring center Nico Sturm from the San Jose Sharks in a trade announced this afternoon. In exchange for Sturm and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, the Panthers are sending a 2026 fourth-round pick to San Jose.

Sturm, 29, is a reliable bottom-six forward known for his strong faceoff abilities. Originally an undrafted free agent, he’s played for the Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, and Sharks, winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022. While his offensive production has fluctuated throughout his career, he currently leads the league in faceoff win percentage (62.7%) among players with at least 100 draws. This season with the Sharks, he has tallied 7 goals and 6 assists in 47 games.

The Panthers were looking to upgrade their fourth-line center position, where Tomáš Nosek has struggled offensively with only one goal in 50 games this season. Sturm’s superior faceoff skills and overall possession metrics make him a more suitable fit for the role. It is expected that Nosek might see reduced ice time or a shift to the wing.

This move represents a minor but potentially significant addition to the Panthers’ lineup as they contend for playoff positioning. The Sharks, meanwhile, recoup a mid-round draft pick for the pending unrestricted free agent.

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