The player
About
Swiss NHL goaltender from Langnau im Emmental. Drafted in 2018, NHL debut in 2021, World Championship silver in 2024, Florida Panthers in 2026.
The crease found him
Hallo zäme — my name is Akira Schmid. I have played hockey since 2008, starting with the SCL Young Tigers and working through every junior level. I tried karate and football first, but the position that stuck was goaltender.
I grew up with my family in Langnau, in the heart of the Emmental. From there the road ran through Omaha and Sioux City, Utica and Newark, Henderson and Vegas, and now South Florida. The Swiss mask still has mountains on it.
Playoffs
When it matters
Ten Stanley Cup Playoff games, a .924 save percentage, and two shutouts — including the 2023 first-round series against the New York Rangers.
Playoff GP
10
W-L
4–4
GAA
2.26
SV%
.924
SO
2
Milestones
The tape
Mar 2018
SCL Tigers debut
First and only NL game vs. EHC Kloten (4–3).
Jun 2018
NHL Draft
New Jersey Devils, 136th overall.
May 2021
Entry-level contract
Three-year ELC with New Jersey. USHL Goaltender of the Year.
11 Dec 2021
NHL debut
First USHL goaltender to debut directly in the NHL, vs. New York Islanders.
10 Nov 2022
First NHL win
Relief appearance, overtime win vs. Ottawa Senators.
25 Feb 2023
First NHL shutout
7–0 vs. Philadelphia Flyers.
Apr 2023
Playoff shutouts
Blanked the Rangers in Games 5 and 7 of the first round.
May 2024
Worlds silver
IIHF World Championship with Switzerland.
Jun 2024
Traded to Vegas
Joined the Golden Knights organization.
Jun 2026
Traded to Florida
Signed a two-year contract with the Panthers.