The Florida Panthers mean business. Not content with keeping all three of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad in town, the Cats have inked another Stanley Cup champion to an extension. The core is set in stone, and the message to the NHL is clear: catch us if you can.
The Panthers have given their players little reason to leave Sunrise. The year-round beautiful weather and lack of state income tax are just the surface of Florida’s success. Bill Zito and company have built a winning machine—one the rest of the league has no answer for.
Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad could all have signed bigger contracts elsewhere after their astounding production in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Still, no offer could match the Panthers’ pitch. For the trio of pending free agents, winning clearly means everything—and no other franchise is currently on Florida’s level in that regard.
Keeping Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad was only the first—yet most important—step in Florida’s plan to chase the three-peat. Now, the rest of the scheme is underway. On that note, the Cats have now agreed to terms with restricted free agent Mackie Samoskevich.
Mackie Samoskevich #25 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following the Cup win against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
As announced by the Panthers, the former first-round pick in the 2021 NHL entry Draft has signed a one-year, $775k extension with the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.
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Swiss Army knife on the ice
After appearing in only seven outings in the 2023-24 NHL season, Samoskevich played 72 games in the 2024-25 campaign. The rookie registered 31 points in the season, tallying 15 goals and 16 assists. He displayed his ability to come in clutch and play almost anywhere on the ice. Though he shifted constantly through the lineup, ‘Samo’ scored five game-winning goals.
“He showcased his ability to slot into any hole in our lineup and find success this past season, which is a testament to both his play and character,” general manager Bill Zito said after the extension was announced.
Albeit his name will go up in the Stanley Cup, Samoskevich appeared in only four games during the postseason. Paul Maurice and his staff prioritized experience over young energy, and it clearly paid off.
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Conn Smythe Trophy after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Up and over
Retaining the 22-year-old forward was the Panthers’ top priority among pending decisions. Now that it’s been taken care of, new situations have arisen for the Cats. As Samoskevich’s contract entered the organization’s system, the Panthers are currently $3.725M over the salary cap.
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Because of this, the Panthers now find themselves at a crossroads. Florida could begin the 2025–26 NHL season with a player on long-term injured reserve (LTIR)—namely Matthew Tkachuk. Alternatively, the Cats could make the heartbreaking decision to part ways with a key player.
SurveyAside from Evan Rodrigues, which Panther would you trade to comply with the salary cap?
Aside from Evan Rodrigues, which Panther would you trade to comply with the salary cap?
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Surrounding the trade speculation in Sunrise, most signs point at Evan Rodrigues. However, E-Rod’s $3M cap hit still wouldn’t be enough to bring the Panthers back under the cap. Someone else will have to go. After a summer that began in pure jubilation,the Panthers may now have to bite the bullet and suffer some cap casualties.
