Florida Panthers Secure Forward Vinnie Hinostroza for Roster Boost
Florida Panthers have made a strategic roster enhancement by acquiring forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the Minnesota Wild. The announcement came from Bill Zito, the club’s President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
Vinnie Hinostroza: A Veteran Addition
Hinostroza, aged 31, has a seasoned NHL background, having played in 460 career games. During the 2025-26 season, he appeared in 48 matches with the Minnesota Wild, where he recorded 10 points, comprising three goals and seven assists.
Career Overview
- Height: 5-foot-10
- Weight: 183 pounds
- Origin: Chicago, Illinois
Throughout his career, he has skated for several NHL teams, including:
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Florida Panthers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Nashville Predators
- Arizona Coyotes
- Minnesota Wild
In total, he has accumulated 171 points through 62 goals and 109 assists.
AHL Experience
In addition to his NHL career, Hinostroza has competed in 188 AHL games across seven seasons. He has played for teams such as:
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Rockford IceHogs
- Milwaukee Admirals
- Rochester Americans
During his tenure in the AHL, he posted an impressive 159 points, with 62 goals and 97 assists. He was honored as an AHL All-Star in both the 2017-18 and 2024-25 seasons.
College and International Career
Before entering the NHL, Hinostroza played two seasons with the University of Notre Dame, scoring 76 points in 76 games. He was named to the NCAA (Hockey East) First All-Star Team after a standout sophomore year.
On the international stage, he represented the United States in prestigious tournaments, including the 2016 IIHF World Championship and the 2014 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship.
Draft Information
Vinnie Hinostroza was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2012 NHL Draft, at 169th overall.
This acquisition is expected to strengthen the Florida Panthers’ roster as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
