The Florida Panthers have signed Czech centerman Oliver Okuliar to a one-year, one-way, entry-level contract (Web link). They have also signed Boston University winger Wilmer Skoog to a one-year, two-way contract (Web link). Both deals are set to begin next season.
Okuliar, 23, has spent the last four seasons journeying around European pro leagues, playing in the Tipsport Extraliga, Liiga, and Czechia Extraliga. He’s proven very productive despite the moves, recording 24 goals and 45 points in 52 Czechia Extraliga games this season, adding two assists in eight playoff games. His scoring ranked second among all U24 skaters in Czechia, behind Jakub Rychlovsky, who tallied one more point in one fewer appearance.
Okuliar will now move to North American pros, after going undrafted in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 NHL Drafts. He’s a flashy winger, showing great puck control and a strong ability to work in tight spaces and keep play alive. The Panthers certainly seem convinced by his play, awarding him a one-way contract that could earn him NHL starts next season. The deal closely mirrors Florida’s signing of Latvian defenseman Uvis Balinskis last summer – and Balinskis has certainly received plenty of opportunity, playing in 24 NHL games and 37 AHL games this season. Florida has a knack for awarding strong European play with a chance at the NHL, and it seems Okuliar is their latest test subject.
Meanwhile, Skoog stands out for more than just his distinct name. He’s a grizzled forward that knows how to fight for space in front of the net – made evident by his 19 goals and 27 points in 44 AHL games this season. Skoog also has plenty of flash, pulling off the Michigan goal (or Lacrosse goal) four different times at Boston University. While he likely has a longer path to the NHL lineup than the pro-proven Okuliar, Skoog’s tenacity has already earned him a promotion – signing his first NHL deal after spending his rookie professional season on an AHL contract.