Akira Schmid
Schmid is Florida's No. 2 goalie behind Jacob Markstrom, and he is getting extra starts for now because Markstrom is hurt. The ESPN player page I read on Oct. 19 says Markstrom has an undisclosed minor injury.
Role
Schmid is the backup in a tandem with Markstrom. The Daily Faceoff line page I fetched (last updated Oct. 18) lists Markstrom first and Schmid second, but the fetch cut off before the goalie section, so I could not read that order directly. ESPN's page shows Schmid with 3 starts in 4 appearances this season, including starts on Oct. 13 and Oct. 15. ESPN's note says Markstrom's injury "could sideline him into next week," and that Schmid was likely to start Saturday (Oct. 17) against Seattle. I did not confirm who actually started that game, how long Markstrom will be out, or the formal split once Markstrom returns. Florida's next game is Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Ottawa. Nobody else is named as competing for starts.
Florida signed him to a two-year deal through 2027-28 after acquiring him from Vegas in June, and the club's release praised his size, athleticism and competitive drive. He is playing behind a strong team (Panthers 5-2-2 per ESPN's page) and has won two of his four appearances. While Markstrom is out he should get a run of starts, and the net behind Florida's skaters is a good place to collect wins.
His early numbers are shaky: ESPN shows a .876 save percentage and a 3.25 goals-against average through four appearances. His save percentage last season with Vegas was .893. Once Markstrom is healthy, Schmid goes back to backup duty, with starts only on back-to-backs or rest days. He was a healthy scratch for Vegas's Stanley Cup Final run, according to ESPN's report on the trade.
Where analysts split
Broad agreement that he is the backup. I found no analyst split. The open question is how long Markstrom's injury lasts, and no source I read gave a return date.
Research confidence: thin. Outlooks are grounded in web search over current reporting and refreshed through the season.
Others at G
Fantasy Memo reads your league and answers that every Monday, and checks your lineup on the days you play.
Connect your league: 14 days free