Bokondji Imama

Junior Career and QMJHL Success

Bokondji Imama's hockey journey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he was selected by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the fourth round of the 2012 QMJHL entry draft. He joined the Drakkar for the 2012-13 season, quickly establishing a reputation for his physical style of play. After parts of three seasons with Baie-Comeau, Imama was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs during the 2014-15 campaign. His time in Saint John was eventful, including a 15-game suspension in December 2015 for leaving the bench to defend a young teammate, Joe Veleno, during an on-ice brawl against the Halifax Mooseheads. This act highlighted his loyalty and protective nature on the ice, traits that would define his professional career.

Imama's offensive game flourished in his final junior season. His physical presence was complemented by this newfound scoring touch, making him a dual threat. He was a key contributor in the postseason, adding 15 points in 18 playoff games as the Sea Dogs captured the President's Cup as QMJHL champions. This victory earned Saint John a berth in the 2017 Memorial Cup tournament. In four games at the national championship, Imama recorded one goal and two assists, helping his team reach the semi-final where they were ultimately eliminated by the Erie Otters.

Professional Development and AHL Tenure

Selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Imama's path to the professional ranks took a turn when he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in May 2017 after failing to sign with Tampa Bay. He inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Kings the following day. For the first four seasons of his pro career, Imama was a mainstay with the Kings' American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, aside from a brief stint with the ECHL's Manchester Monarchs in 2018-19. His time in the AHL was defined by his role as a physical presence and a team-first player, often tasked with protecting teammates and providing energy.

During the 2019-20 season, Imama was thrust into the spotlight for a distressing reason, becoming the target of a racist taunt by Bakersfield Condors defenceman Brandon Manning. The AHL suspended Manning for five games as a result. When the teams next met on February 7, 2020, Imama and Manning fought early in the first period. Imama channeled the incident into a remarkable performance, later scoring a goal and adding an assist to complete a Gordie Howe hat trick in a decisive 10-3 Reign victory, for which he was named the game's third star. This moment was a powerful display of resilience and focus under difficult circumstances. His AHL career continued with the Tucson Roadrunners after a trade to the Arizona Coyotes organization in July 2021, where he was again subjected to racist abuse, this time a gesture from San Jose Barracuda forward Krystof Hrabik in January 2022, leading to a 30-game suspension for Hrabik.

NHL Journey and Team Transitions

Imama's long-awaited NHL debut came on April 22, 2022, after the Arizona Coyotes recalled him from the AHL. He played his first game against the Washington Capitals that night. The very next day, he scored his first NHL goal, beating St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington in a 5-4 overtime loss. He appeared in four games for Arizona to close that season and played five more with the Coyotes in 2022-23. As an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023, Imama signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. After failing to make the NHL roster out of training camp, he was assigned to the Belleville Senators of the AHL, where he registered ten points in 53 games during the 2023-24 season. He was suspended by the AHL for three games in January 2024 for an on-ice incident. Ottawa recalled him in early April, and he made his Senators debut on April 6, 2024, fighting Kurtis MacDermid in a loss to the New Jersey Devils. He played in six total games for Ottawa, recording no points.

After one season in Ottawa, Imama signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 1, 2024. He began the 2024-25 season in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before being recalled in late January 2025. His tenure with Pittsburgh included a controversial hit on Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway on February 28, which drew criticism from Flyers coach John Tortorella but resulted in only a minor penalty. Imama scored his first goal as a Penguin on March 22, 2025, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, in a game where he also fought Mathieu Olivier. His season ended prematurely due to biceps surgery in March. He played 16 games for Pittsburgh that year, scoring that lone goal, and 24 games in the AHL. He re-signed with Pittsburgh for the 2025-26 season but spent most of it in the AHL, making only two NHL appearances in early December 2025 before being returned to the minors.

Move to the Florida Panthers

Entering free agency again in the summer of 2026, Imama signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers on July 1, 2026. The contract carries a cap hit of $850,000 for the NHL level. This move represented a fresh opportunity for the 30-year-old winger, with reports suggesting he had a genuine chance to secure a regular roster spot for his first full NHL season. The Panthers, a perennial contender, added Imama to provide depth, physicality, and veteran presence to their bottom-six forward group. His style of play aligns with the heavy, demanding game often seen in the playoffs, making him a potential asset for Florida's postseason aspirations.

Imama's preseason with Florida included notable moments that highlighted his role, such as a fight with Carolina Hurricanes enforcer Nicolas Deslauriers on September 29, 2026. He also demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively in limited situations, deflecting a shot past star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning for a goal during a preseason contest. As the 2026-27 regular season commenced, Imama was involved in the first NHL fight of the campaign, once again dropping the gloves with Nicolas Deslauriers during a game between the Panthers and the Hurricanes. This early activity signalled his readiness to embrace the enforcer role for his new club as he sought to establish himself as a full-time NHL player.

Playing Style and On-Ice Role

Bokondji Imama is prototypical of the modern NHL enforcer, a player whose primary value is derived from physical play, intimidation, and protecting teammates. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 223 pounds, he uses his size effectively to deliver hits, engage in fights, and create space on the ice. His fighting ability is well-documented, with numerous bouts throughout his professional career serving to shift momentum or respond to perceived threats against his linemates. This was evident from his junior days, when he left the bench to defend a teammate, through to his NHL tenures, where he frequently answered the bell against other noted tough guys.

While scoring is not his chief responsibility, Imama has shown he can contribute offensively when given the opportunity. His 41-goal season in the QMJHL proved he possesses a capable shot, and he has occasionally translated that to the professional level, as seen with his Gordie Howe hat trick in the AHL and his NHL goals for Arizona and Pittsburgh. His game is built on simplicity, energy, and reliability in defensive situations. Coaches value his willingness to play a straightforward, north-south game, finish his checks, and stand up for his team, making him a valuable locker room presence and a player who can be inserted into the lineup to change a game's physical complexion.

Personal Background and Impact

Bokondji Imama was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, and is the son of immigrants from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His parents, Kumbia and Bokondji, moved to Canada, where he and his four sisters were raised. His Congolese heritage and his experiences as a Black athlete in hockey have shaped his perspective and his public profile. Imama's career has been unfortunately marked by two high-profile incidents of racist abuse from opponents while playing in the AHL. In both cases, the leagues imposed significant suspensions on the perpetrators, and Imama handled the situations with notable composure, using them as motivation on the ice rather than being diminished by them.

These experiences have positioned Imama as an inadvertent but important figure in hockey's ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion. His response, particularly the 2020 game where he fought his abuser and then starred offensively, was widely seen as a powerful statement of resilience. For many young Black hockey players and fans across Canada, Imama's perseverance in reaching the NHL despite these challenges serves as an inspiration. His journey from a sixth-round draft pick to earning NHL contracts a decade later demonstrates his work ethic and determination to fulfil his professional hockey dreams.

NHL Career Statistics and Key Milestones

The following table outlines Bokondji Imama's regular season appearances in the National Hockey League through the 2025-26 season. It highlights his journey as a depth player who has earned call-ups with multiple organizations, with his most extensive action coming during the 2024-25 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His statistical output is modest, which is expected given his limited ice time and specific role as a physical fourth-line winger. The key milestones within these totals are his first NHL goal scored in 2022 and his first goal with Pittsburgh in 2025.

Bokondji Imama's value to teams extends beyond statistics into physical play and team cohesion. He began his tenure with the Florida Panthers for the 2026-27 season after signing a one-year contract on July 1, 2026. His professional career includes notable milestones such as his NHL debut and first goal with the Arizona Coyotes. He has also played for the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL.

• NHL Debut: April 22, 2022, for the Arizona Coyotes versus the Washington Capitals.
• First NHL Goal: April 23, 2022, against Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues.
• First NHL Fight: April 6, 2024, against Kurtis MacDermid in his Ottawa Senators debut.
• First Goal with Pittsburgh: March 22, 2025, against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• First Preseason Goal with Florida: September 2026, deflecting a shot past Andrei Vasilevskiy.
• First NHL Fight of 2026-27 Season: September 29, 2026, against Nicolas Deslauriers of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Career Timeline and Organizational Moves

Bokondji Imama's professional career has been characterized by steady development and numerous transactions as he worked to secure an NHL foothold. His path reflects the challenging nature of making it as a role player in the league, requiring patience and adaptability through assignments and trades. The following list details the key dates and moves in his professional journey, from his draft day to his current contract with the Florida Panthers. Each move represented a new opportunity and a vote of confidence from an NHL organization, even as he often began seasons in the American Hockey League.

1. May 31, 2017: Traded by Tampa Bay to the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional draft pick.
2. June 1, 2017: Signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
3. July 24, 2021: Traded by Los Angeles with Cole Hults to Arizona for Tyler Steenbergen and Brayden Burke.
4. July 1, 2023: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators as a free agent.
5. July 1, 2024: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent.
6. June 13, 2025: Signed a one-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
7. July 1, 2026: Signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers as a free agent.

His signing with Florida in 2026 is the latest chapter in his career. The contract is a one-year, two-way deal. Reports indicate this opportunity may offer his best chance at extended NHL duty. He has previously split seasons between the NHL and the American Hockey League with other organizations.

Questions about Bokondji Imama

What team does Bokondji Imama play for now?

As of the 2026-27 season, Bokondji Imama plays for the Florida Panthers. He signed a one-year, two-way contract with the team on July 1, 2026, after spending two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The contract has a cap hit of 850,000 dollars. He is currently listed as a left winger wearing number 14 for the Panthers. This signing provides him with an opportunity to potentially play his first full NHL season at 30 years of age.

How many NHL teams has Bokondji Imama played for?

Bokondji Imama has played for four different NHL teams. His NHL career began with the Arizona Coyotes, where he made his debut and scored his first goal in 2022. He then played for the Ottawa Senators during the 2023-24 season, appearing in six games. Following that, he spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing 16 games in 2024-25 and two more in 2025-26. He most recently joined the Florida Panthers as a free agent in July 2026.

What is Bokondji Imama known for?

Bokondji Imama is primarily known for his physical, enforcing style of play as a left winger. He is noted for his willingness to fight, often to defend teammates, as seen when he fought Kurtis MacDermid in his Senators debut. His professional career has also been marked by two separate racist incidents where he was targeted by opposing AHL players, leading to significant suspensions for Brandon Manning and Krystof Hrabik. He is recognized for scoring a Gordie Howe hat trick in an AHL game following one of those incidents.

When did Bokondji Imama score his first NHL goal?

Bokondji Imama scored his first NHL goal on April 23, 2022, while playing for the Arizona Coyotes. He scored the goal against St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington in a game that ended in a 5-4 overtime loss for the Coyotes. This goal came just one day after he made his NHL debut with Arizona against the Washington Capitals on April 22, 2022. During that initial call-up, he appeared in a total of four games for the Coyotes to conclude the 2021-22 season.

Where was Bokondji Imama born?

Bokondji Imama was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 3, 1996. His parents, Bokondji and Kumbia Imama, immigrated to Canada from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He grew up with four sisters in his family. His birthplace and heritage are frequently noted in his biographical information, highlighting his background as a Canadian professional hockey player of Congolese descent.

What happened in the racist incident involving Brandon Manning?

During the 2019-20 AHL season, defenceman Brandon Manning directed a racist taunt at Bokondji Imama during a game. The American Hockey League investigated the incident and suspended Manning for five games as a result. When Imama's Ontario Reign next played against Manning's Bakersfield Condors on February 7, 2020, the two players fought early in the first period. Imama notably completed a Gordie Howe hat trick in that game by adding a goal and an assist after the fight, leading his team to a 10-3 victory and earning third star honours.

Sources and further reading

• Bokondji Imama (Wikipedia)
• Imama breaks the ice (nhl.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.