The Florida Panthers have taken a step toward bolstering their forward depth, signing 26-year-old Matt Luff to a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. As reported by David Dwork of The Hockey News, Luff will join the Panthers next week in their training camp as he competes for a roster spot.

Luff started his professional journey in 2016, signing with the Los Angeles Kings after a strong season with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, where he tallied 25 goals and 49 points in 45 games. Despite his large frame, Luff initially raised questions for not fully utilizing his size, which was seen as a potential asset in the physically demanding Kings system.

While most of Luff’s time with the Kings was spent in the AHL with the Ontario Reign, he appeared in 64 NHL games for the Kings between 2018 and 2021, contributing 10 goals and 17 points. Following a brief stint with the Nashville Predators in 2021-22, Luff signed with the Detroit Red Wings, where he has played the last two seasons.

Though he only appeared in 19 NHL games with Detroit, recording two goals and four points, Luff found more success at the AHL level. Playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s affiliate, he posted 18 goals and 43 points over 54 games across two injury-plagued seasons.

Luff now faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on a retooled Panthers roster, especially within their bottom-six forward group. However, his AHL success has earned him this opportunity. The Panthers, who struggled with scoring depth at the AHL level last season, are looking for potential contributors, and Luff could prove to be a valuable next-man-up option as he vies to join the reigning Stanley Cup finalists.