The Nottingham Panthers have already made their most important signing of the season — netminder Jason Grande will return to the Motorpoint Arena for 2025-26.
Grande joined the Panthers in December 2024, added to Danny Stewart’s roster to compensate for the departure of Hunter Vorva, and quickly assumed control of the net.
The 26-year-old soared to the top of the Elite League’s save percentage (.944) and goals-against average (1.86) charts, securing three shutouts in 37 appearances down the stretch.
“It was pretty much a no-brainer for me and my decision to sign back here was really easy,” Grande told panthers.co.uk.
Jason Grande, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Dean Woolley)
“We’re building something really special here and to be able to continue that next season is really exciting for me.
“It’s a really exciting time for the fans at the moment and for everyone in the organisation. We’re not done yet here this year and we need to focus on that and keep building.”
Who is Nottingham Panthers netminder Jason Grande?
Grande is a product of the NCAA, in which he made 56 appearances for Bentley University and the College of the Holy Cross.
The American closed out his collegiate career with a .917 save percentage and 2.30 goals-against-average, signing his first professional contract with Slovakia Extraliga side HC Nove Zamky ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Grande’s rookie stint in Slovakia ended after 18 league appearances, with the West Chester-born shot-stopper recording an .896 save percentage in the Extraliga.
The 1999-born goalie joined the Panthers on 20 December 2024, earning a 19-10-0 record in regular-season play to backstop Nottingham to a third-place finish.
Analysis: Nottingham Panthers re-sign all-star netminder Jason Grande
There was never any doubt that the Panthers would want to re-sign Grande.
But there was a chance that he would attempt to parlay his sensational form into a second chance on the continent.
Thankfully for Danny Stewart, he was able to get the deal signed quickly, before further potential suitors came circling.
Danny Stewart, Nottingham Panthers (Image: Dean Woolley)
“Jason has been a standout player for us this season and one of the best players in the league,” said Stewart.
“To come in and do what he has done has been phenomenal and he really has been the find of the season.
“Getting this deal done early is so important as we look to build a core of players that can help this team compete for trophies.”
Grande’s form is impossible to dismiss, maintaining a plus-.900 save percentage in all but five of his Elite League starts.
Exceptional in Nottingham’s playoff semi-final win over the Sheffield Steelers, the American is reliable in important moments and has the best years of his career to come at age-26.
The Panthers will hope to extend many of their core players, but Grande’s signature was the most important.
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