The Florida Panthers Re-sign Mackie Samoskevich
The Florida Panthers, who have clinched the Stanley Cup title for the second consecutive year, confirmed the re-signing of forward Mackie Samoskevich on Thursday. The new contract, which spans one year, is set at $775,000, aligning with the league’s minimum salary, as reported by various sources.
Performance Highlights
At just 22 years old, Samoskevich completed his inaugural full season with the Panthers during the 2024-25 campaign. Over 72 regular-season games, he achieved notable stats including 31 points derived from 15 goals and 16 assists, along with contributing defensively with 32 blocks and 134 hits. His goal tally places him seventh on the franchise’s all-time rookie list, with five of those goals serving as game-winners, tying him for the team lead alongside Carter Verhaeghe.
In addition to his regular-season performance, Samoskevich participated in four playoff games, adding one assist to his record as the Panthers continued their championship run.
Management’s Praise
Bill Zito, the president of hockey operations and general manager for the Panthers, expressed high regard for Samoskevich, highlighting his blend of skill and maturity that exceeded expectations for a player of his age. Zito remarked:
“Mackie is a talented young forward who demonstrated a strong ability to adapt and succeed in different roles within our lineup, reflecting both his talent and character. We are excited to witness his growth within our organization over the coming years.”
Background
Before his successful season, Samoskevich also saw action in seven regular-season matches during the 2023-24 season. He was chosen by Florida as the 24th pick in the 2021 NHL Draft following his tenure at the University of Michigan.
