In this series, we take a look at each team and see what they’ve done over the offseason. Next up is the Florida Panthers.
Key additions: Jeff Petry, Nolan Foote, Daniil Tarasov
The story for Florida is not what they brought in, but what they managed to keep. The fact Bill Zito was able to extend all of the big 3 in Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad was nothing short of a miracle. They have also managed to extend some important depth pieces in Tomas Nosek and Mackie Samoskevich. With the majority of Florida’s core locked up, this team’s contention window remains open for the foreseeable future.
Key subtractions: Nate Schmidt, Nico Sturm, Jesse Puljujarvi, Rasmus Asplund, Tobias Bjornfot, Jaycob Megna, Vitek Vanecek
Through the Panthers cap (and tax) wizardry, they managed to lose a grand total of 2 players who appeared in Stanley Cup playoff games for the sqaud. Yeah, this team is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Highest draft pick: Mads Kongsbak Klyvo, 112th overall
Salary cap space: -$3.7 million
Staff: Unsurprisingly, Florida will be sticking with the same staff next season. Coach Paul Maurice took over in 22-23 and has taken the club to three straight finals appearances and back to back Stanley Cups. He and general manager Bill Zito have worked wonders turning this franchise around into the power house it is today.
Other: The Panthers have some work to do with the salary cap by the start of the year to get compliant, but otherwise the defending champs will continue to enjoy their summer with the Cup.
All transactions available via puck pedia
