Panthers Recall Cooper Black

The Florida Panthers have recalled some goaltending depth ahead of tonight’s contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. According to the AHL transactions log, the Panthers recalled netminder Cooper Black from the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

It’s already clear why Florida recalled Black. In last night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, the Panthers pulled Jacob Markström after the first period. Following the loss, rinkside reporter Katie Engleson quoted head coach Paul Maurice, saying, “[H]e just tightened up, so we pulled him. We don’t think….there’s no injury there…just standard stuff.” Because they will play in the second half of a back-to-back tonight, Florida appears to be playing it safe with Markström.

Black, 25, has been in the Panthers organization for the past four years. He signed as a collegiate free agent from Dartmouth College toward the end of the 2023-24 campaign. If he sees any action against the Columbus Blue Jackets this evening, it will be Black’s NHL debut.

During his rookie season, Black split his time between the AHL and ECHL, but last year he played exclusively in the AHL. It was a relatively successful season, as the Alpena, MI native finished 25-13-4 in 42 games with a .903 SV% and 2.47 GAA. He’s had similar production to start the 2026-27 season, managing a 1-1-0 record through his first two games with a .906 SV% and 3.01 GAA.