NHL News: Bill Zito, Panthers announce another extension after retaining Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad

The Florida Panthers have taken the NHL by storm in the last few years. Not only did they join the list of back-to-back Stanley Cup champions with consecutive titles in the last two seasons, but their general manager, Bill Zito, has also defied the odds to keep a competitive team. Far from satisfied with the job done so far, the GM doubled down by extending all three of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad before they hit free agency this offseason.

After their second straight Stanley Cup Final win over the Edmonton Oilers, Zito and the Panthers immediately had reason for concern with the aforementioned players running out of contract. If keeping one or two of them was a challenging task, let alone to bring back all three.

Yet, somehow, Zito worked things out. Bennett was the first to put pen to paper, with Ekblad and Marchand following suit soon on team-friendly deals. With the Cats’ core locked up for the foreseeable, the Panthers GM had another extension to announce.

Panthers re-sign forward Wilmer Skoog

On Thursday, Zito announced that the Panthers are re-signing forward Wilmer Skoog on a one-year, two-way contract. Though not even close to the impact of Marchand, Bennett or Ekblad‘s extensions, this move shows Florida is keeping a long-term vision while maximizing its championship window.

Wilmer Skoog celebrating a goal for the Florida Panthers in a preseason game ahead of the 2023-24 NHL season.

Right now, the Panthers may not expect Skoog to be part of their main roster. Chances are that they allow the 25-year-old to continue developing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL).

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Skoog’s experience with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate

Last season, Skoog racked up 24 points (9-15-24) over 72 appearances with the Charlotte Checkers, the Panthers’ AHL affiliate. He went on to play an important role in the Checkers’ run to the Calder Cup Final with seven points (4-3-7) in 18 postseason games.

Overall, the Swedish prospect boasts 121 AHL regular season appearances in two seasons with Charlotte, boasting 55 points (31-24-55). His extension suggests Zito and the Panthers continue to believe in his potential.

For now, Skoog’s two-way deal means he might stay with the Checkers for a bit longer. According to David Pagnotta and David Dwork, Skoog’s deal will be worth $150K at AHL level, with the possibility of rising to $775K if promoted to the NHL.