Florida Panthers forward Jonah Gadjovich will have an opportunity to return next season after missing most of the current one due to a neck injury. Gadjovich was injured during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 25 and later underwent surgery in November.
The situation highlights the challenges athletes face when recovering from serious injuries. Despite returning to practice in January, Gadjovich was unable to reach full health before the team’s final regular-season game.
“He was pretty close a couple times and then would have a setback,” Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito said during the team’s end-of-season media availability at Baptist Health IcePlex on Thursday. “Through it all, he’s been a wonderful teammate.”
Before his injury, Gadjovich played in 10 games this season, recording three assists and delivering 30 hits. Last summer, he contributed as part of the team’s run to their second consecutive Stanley Cup appearance. In last year’s playoffs, he logged three points—two goals and one assist—along with 63 hits and 11 blocked shots over 16 games.
Zito praised his determination throughout recovery: “He’s just such a good guy,” Zito said. “He really battled.” The Panthers faced significant injuries this year with more than 450 man games lost across the roster.
Gadjovich signed a two-year contract extension in October that will begin at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Zito concluded by saying, “I’m proud of him for making sure that he’s right.”
