FORT LAUDERDALE — The Florida Panthers acquired forward Garnet Hathaway from the Philadelphia Flyers on June 26, adding the NHL’s second-ranked all-time hitter to a roster that has won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.

The Panthers sent a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Hathaway and a 2026 sixth-round pick, with the Flyers retaining 50% of his salary. Panthers General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Bill Zito called the 34-year-old a natural fit at Amerant Bank Arena.

“Garnet is a physical and highly competitive player who will complement our group well,” Zito said. “We’re excited to add his veteran presence to our group for the upcoming season.”

Hathaway, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 212 pounds, has compiled 1,921 hits over 672 career games — second-most in the NHL since his debut — and has ranked in the top 10 in hits every season since 2020-21. The 11-year veteran has logged 163 points (76 goals, 87 assists) across stints with the Flyers (2023-24 to 2025-26), Boston Bruins (2022-23), Washington Capitals (2019-20 to 2022-23) and Calgary Flames (2015-16 to 2018-19). Over the past four seasons, he has drawn 24 more penalties than he has taken, and he has averaged over a minute of shorthanded ice time per game in each of the last nine seasons.

“For a lot of years now, I’ve hated playing against the Panthers,” Hathaway said with a smile. “I’m so excited to join the Panthers. Everything that I’ve continued to hear about the organization, just makes me even more ready to get going.”

Hathaway said the Panthers’ winning culture was a major draw. “You realize they’re winners,” he said. “They play playoff hockey every night, and that’s something I want to emulate, too. That’s something I take a lot of pride in. I’m excited for that part.”

The forward will reunite with former Calgary teammates Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, as well as Brad Marchand, whom he played alongside during his half-season in Boston. “It’s going to be great to be back together and see how we’ve all matured and grown,” Hathaway said.

Still in search of his first Stanley Cup, Hathaway said he is already preparing for the opportunity. “I’m working my hardest this summer to be a fit and learn from those guys and see what they know,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in playing the same way each and every night. Preparing for each game, showing up to each game with the same mentality and same compete level, that’s something I want to bring each night and that I want to be noticeable.”

The Panthers are expected to open the upcoming season at Amerant Bank Arena this fall.