Panthers' Sandis Vilmanis Shines in AHL Playoff Tune-Up

22-year-old forward tallies 3 points in final regular season game for Charlotte Checkers

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:04pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp geometric planes in the team colors of the Florida Panthers - red, blue, and gold - conceptually representing the dynamic nature of the sport.A young Florida Panthers prospect showcases his skills in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and movement of professional hockey.Charlotte Today

Florida Panthers prospect Sandis Vilmanis had a standout performance in the final game of the AHL regular season, scoring a goal and adding two assists to lead the Charlotte Checkers to a 4-1 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The 22-year-old forward finished the year with 17 goals and 38 points in 48 games for the Checkers, and will now look to carry that momentum into the AHL playoffs as he aims to earn a roster spot with the Panthers next season.

Why it matters

Vilmanis' strong finish to the AHL season is an encouraging sign for the Panthers, who are hoping the young forward can develop into an impactful NHL player. His performance in the playoffs will be closely watched as he looks to make the jump to the big club.

The details

In Sunday's game, Vilmanis scored the opening goal and then added two assists as the Checkers cruised to victory. The 22-year-old winger had 5 points in 19 NHL games with the Panthers this season, and will look to build on that experience in the AHL playoffs.

  • Vilmanis scored a goal and added two assists in AHL Charlotte's 4-1 win over Lehigh Valley on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Vilmanis finished the 2025-26 AHL regular season with 17 goals and 38 points in 48 games.

The players

Sandis Vilmanis

A 22-year-old forward prospect in the Florida Panthers organization, currently playing for their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

Florida Panthers

The NHL team that owns Vilmanis' rights and is hoping he can develop into an impactful player at the NHL level.

Charlotte Checkers

The AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, where Vilmanis has been playing and developing his skills.

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What’s next

Vilmanis and the Charlotte Checkers will now turn their attention to the AHL playoffs, where Vilmanis will look to continue his strong play and potentially earn a call-up to the Florida Panthers roster for next season.

The takeaway

Sandis Vilmanis' standout performance in the final game of the AHL regular season is a positive sign for the Florida Panthers, who are hoping the young forward can develop into an impact player at the NHL level. His play in the upcoming AHL playoffs will be closely watched as he aims to earn a roster spot with the big club next season.