Panthers' Aleksi Heponiemi: Sent to AHL affiliate

Heponiemi was assigned to AHL Charlotte on Thursday, David Dwork of Local 10 Miami reports.

Heponiemi was sent down to make room for goaltender Alex Lyon on the roster, so it appears as though one of Florida's top two netminders may be dealing with an illness or an injury. Heponiemi will likely return to the big club as soon as Lyon is returned to the minors.