Having reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and secured two championships in a row, the Florida Panthers are poised for another strong season with their core roster largely intact and committed to multi-year contracts. The anticipated increase in the salary cap over the coming years could significantly benefit the team, providing flexibility to acquire additional depth and talent to complement their established lineup.
However, immediate concerns loom for the Panthers regarding their salary cap situation. With Matthew Tkachuk expected to return from Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) during the regular season, the team faces a challenge to become cap-compliant, currently projected to be $4.5 million over the limit once Tkachuk is healthy.
Yet, these cap issues are secondary for now. The immediate focus in Florida is on achieving a historic feat: winning three consecutive Stanley Cups, a rarity not seen since the 1980s. While ambitious, this goal seems more attainable given a relatively quiet off-season. With a lack of significant unrestricted free agents (UFAs) changing teams and a sluggish trade market, the Eastern Conference rivals haven`t made substantial gains to challenge the Panthers` dominance.
The Panthers` identity is well-established: a skilled, aggressive, relentless, and strategically astute team. Their few weaknesses are minor, and their reputation is one of sheer grit. They enter this NHL season as the undeniable top contender, firmly set on establishing a dynasty.
This analysis continues our comprehensive review of all 32 NHL teams, highlighting the formidable and often challenging Florida Panthers.
Newcomer to Watch: Jeff Petry
The Panthers have a track record of maximizing the potential of defensemen who join the team with modest expectations, often players who were overlooked or seemingly past their prime. Notable examples include Gustav Forsling, a waiver claim who has evolved into a premier shutdown defenseman with a long-term deal, and Nate Schmidt, who revived his career in Florida after struggling in Winnipeg, contributing significantly on the blue line, seeing power play action, and tallying 12 points during their recent championship run. This season, Jeff Petry is expected to fill a similar role, having signed a one-year, $775,000 contract. At 38 in December, Petry is well past his peak, and injuries restricted him to just 44 games last season. While his offensive output isn`t what it once was, the Panthers are banking on the veteran to provide experienced depth and potentially some limited offensive contributions. Should he adapt well to the team`s system, Petry could prove to be an unexpected asset.
Under-the-Radar Player to Watch: Mackie Samoskevich
Given their high-priced core and upcoming salary cap challenges, the Panthers require cost-effective players to step up. Mackie Samoskevich, the 24th overall pick from the 2021 draft, fits this need. After netting 15 goals in his NHL rookie season, his role is expected to expand this year, particularly in the initial half while Tkachuk is sidelined. This presents a prime opportunity for Samoskevich. If Brad Marchand maintains his position on the third line (a successful strategy in the playoffs), Samoskevich could potentially secure a spot in the top six forwards by October. Last regular season, he ranked third among full-time Panthers players in goals per 60 minutes at even strength, and during the 2023-24 season, he was the leading scorer for their AHL affiliate.
Top Prospect: Jack Devine
Currently, the Panthers` prospect pool is somewhat limited, yet Jack Devine stands out as their most promising talent, despite being a seventh-round selection in 2022. He completed all four years of his college eligibility and still opted to sign with the Panthers, foregoing potential greater opportunities as a free agent elsewhere. Following his NCAA career, he joined the AHL Charlotte Checkers last year, recording two goals and five points across seven playoff games. With limited roster spots available for young players on the current Panthers team, Devine is still considered a developmental project and isn`t quite ready for the NHL. The right winger is anticipated to spend the entire upcoming season in the AHL, where his long-term NHL potential will become clearer.
