Jacob Markstrom is expected to miss 10–14 days after a practice injury, Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice said October 20, according to Field Level Media.
The absence puts Akira Schmid and recalled prospect Cooper Black in line for work as Florida prepares for a four-game road trip beginning in Ottawa.
Maurice announced the timetable Tuesday, Field Level Media reported. Florida recalled Black from the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers to join Schmid.
Markstrom was injured during practice October 19. Daily Faceoff reported that he was struck by a puck and did not participate on the ice the following day.
The reported recovery window is an expectation, rather than a confirmed return date. The available update did not establish when Markstrom would resume practicing.
The assignment carries an opportunity for Black beyond dressing as a backup. Maurice expects him to play during the road trip, according to Daily Faceoff.
Florida opens that trip against the Ottawa Senators on October 21. Black has yet to make his NHL debut, making his anticipated appearance another milestone to watch.
As of October 20, Black had a 2–1–0 record, a 2.67 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in three games for Charlotte.
Those numbers describe his early AHL work; they do not establish how he will perform against NHL shooters or determine how Florida will divide starts.
Schmid supplies NHL experience alongside the recalled prospect. Daily Faceoff’s player updates identify him as the goaltender expected to receive most of the action during Markstrom’s absence.
The site notes that Schmid appeared in a career-high 34 games for Vegas in 2025–26, recording a 16–10–6 record and a 2.59 goals-against average.
His .893 save percentage that season provides background on his previous workload, rather than a prediction for this stretch with Florida.
Markstrom, meanwhile, was 3–1–1 with a 2.21 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage and one shutout across six appearances through the October 20 update.
The goalie change comes amid other movement between Florida and Charlotte. The Hockey News reported that forwards Cole Reinhardt and Cole Schwindt also joined the Panthers.
Sam Lafferty went the other direction. Schwindt practiced on the fourth line with Boko Imama and Garnet Hathaway on October 20, according to that report.
Black also practiced with Florida at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. His arrival gives the coaching staff another goaltender as preparations shift to the road.
In the Panthers’ practice notebook, Maurice said of Black: “He’s going to see some action.”
