The Florida Panthers just can’t help themselves. After re-signing Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett, the Cats have now retained a young talent, further strengthening the team’s depth. As they eye a three-peat in the 2025-26 NHL season, the Panthers have secured a B plan in case their bet on a veteran doesn’t pay off.
The Panthers know better than to lay all the eggs in one basket. They are now making sure they won’t be caught out of guard if their latest addition to the blueline doesn’t perform as expected. Florida is serious about becoming a modern-day NHL dynasty, and it won’t let any thing to chance.
Extending Marchand, Ekblad, and Bennett was only the first step in that direction. The front office has done its job and can relax over the summer. There will be plenty of time to put in extra hours during the regular season and as the trade deadline approaches.
For now, the Cats can sit back. Still, the rest of the NHL should stay on the lookout. The Panthers might pounce on any opportunity to further bolster their lineup. That is, if there’s even room for improvement on a roster featuring the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.
Tobias Bjornfot #2 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup following a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game Seven of the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
Just to be safe
As of late, the Panthers have been somewhat quiet. However, they’ve now re-signed Tobias Bjornfot to a two-way, one-year contract. The deal will carry an annual cap hit of $775k.
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Bjornfot appeared in 14 games for the Panthers this past season. He played 50 games with AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, recording 18 points. He also posted seven points in the postseason, helping the Checkers reach the Calder Cup Final.
With Bjornfot’s extension, Florida makes sure it has options if veteran Jeff Petry can’t fit into the scheme. The 37-year-old veteran is the only change to the team’s projected starting lineup. Such a feat underlines the Cats’ success at keeping the group together.
Injury-riddled
The Panthers might have to weather the storm to start the 2025–26 NHL season. With Matthew Tkachuk battling injuries all year long, Marchand and company are reportedly preparing to see their workload double as the American star could be sidelined until Christmas.
Brad Marchand #63 of Canada takes questions during media day ahead of the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off at the Bell Centre on February 11, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
“There’s a possibility that Matthew Tkachuk’s injury may need corrective surgery which could keep him out through the Christmas break,” insider Nick Kypreos stated.
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Not their first rodeo
It wouldn’t be the first time the Panthers’ depth is tested early in the season. After losing in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, the Cats played through the first half of the following season without Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour, both of whom weren’t expected back until Christmas. It seems the Panthers have grown fond of the spirit of giving. Why wouldn’t they? They tend to find healthy superstars waiting under the tree every year.
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This time around, Tkachuk’s injury might be a blessing in disguise — at the very least, it has a silver lining. Florida is currently over the salary cap. However, placing Tkachuk on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) could bring the Panthers back into compliance.
