Karsen Dorwart signs AHL contract with Charlotte
The Charlotte Checkers have signed Karsen Dorwart to a one-year AHL contract.
Quick answers
What contract did Karsen Dorwart sign with Charlotte?
Karsen Dorwart signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, the affiliate of the Florida Panthers. This agreement comes after Dorwart spent last season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he played 70 games and contributed 10 goals and 14 assists.
What is the next step for Karsen Dorwart after signing with Charlotte?
Following his signing with Charlotte, Karsen Dorwart is expected to attend Florida’s training camp next week. While he is unlikely to make the Panthers’ roster immediately, his performance this season could lead to a potential NHL contract.
Dorwart’s move to Charlotte
Karsen Dorwart has signed a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers. This contract provides him a place to play in the upcoming season. The Checkers are the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
Dorwart’s college and pro career
Dorwart was a highly regarded undrafted free agent in the 2025 class after an impactful stint at Michigan State University. He spent time with the Philadelphia Flyers after college but faced challenges transitioning to pro hockey.
After signing with Philadelphia following his college career, Dorwart played five games for the Flyers. He averaged nearly 11 minutes of ice time and had a faceoff win rate of 40%. Despite the initial hope for a full-time role, he battled an upper-body injury that hampered his training camp.
Challenges faced in Philadelphia
Following his recovery from the injury, Dorwart joined the AHL’s Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He participated in 70 games, recording 10 goals and 14 assists. However, his performance did not warrant a call-up to the NHL.
The Flyers decided not to extend a qualifying offer, non-tendering Dorwart in June, which made him an unrestricted free agent once again.
Looking ahead to the new season
With his new contract in hand, Dorwart is expected to attend Florida’s training camp next week. While competing for a spot on the NHL roster may not be in the cards, the opportunity with the Checkers offers him a chance for redemption.
Dorwart is now focused on making the most of this opportunity. He hopes to leverage his season with Charlotte to secure an NHL contract, either during the current season or in the upcoming offseason.
For related context, see latest NHL injury updates.
Reporting for this story draws on Pro Hockey Rumors.
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