Panthers Reassign Cooper Black

Now that Jacob Markström has returned from an upper-body injury, the Florida Panthers no longer need an additional netminder on the roster. Before tonight’s contest against the Detroit Red Wings, the Panthers announced they reassigned goaltender Cooper Black to the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

Unlike his previous call-up in mid-October, Black made his NHL debut this time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t ideal. Black allowed three goals on 21 shots (.857 SV%) and earned the loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins. That was his only start he made during his recall.

He’ll return to a familiar environment in Charlotte. The 6’9″ netminder played in 42 games for the Checkers last year, earning a 25-13-4 record with a .903 SV% and 2.47 GAA. This season, Black has managed a 2-1-0 record in three games with a .919 SV% and 2.67 GAA.

Meanwhile, Markström returns from his second injury in the early stages of his return to the Panthers. Before his recent upper-body ailment, which he suffered in practice, Markström exited Florida’s October 12th matchup against the Buffalo Sabres after the first period.

Unfortunately, this isn’t a new theme for the Swedish netminder. Markström battled through multiple injuries last season, his last year with the New Jersey Devils. He’s been limited to seven of the Panthers’ 15 contests this season. He stopped 24 of 28 shots (.857 SV%) in the loss against the Red Wings tonight.