Florida Panthers Offseason Outlook
After a challenging 2025-26 season marred by injuries and a lack of playoff contention, the Florida Panthers are poised for a significant offseason. The organization is facing notable changes within its management ranks, with Assistant GM Sunny Mehta departing for the New Jersey Devils, taking director of hockey operations Braden Birch with him. Additionally, AGM Brett Peterson is drawing attention from other NHL teams, and it’s rumored that Bryan McCabe, the director of player personnel, may also be on his way to join either the Devils or the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Goaltending and Free Agency Decisions
General Manager Bill Zito will need to navigate the team’s goaltending conundrum and make crucial decisions regarding several impending restricted free agents (RFAs). Apart from Sergei Bobrovsky and A.J. Greer, the unrestricted free agent (UFA) pool is relatively shallow, but there’s a cohort of RFAs the Panthers are eager to retain. The first major move on their agenda will be extending qualifying offers to these RFAs, a deadline for which typically falls at 5 p.m. EST on June 30.
Key Players to Consider for Re-signing
A key player to consider for re-signing is Mackie Samoskevich, a right winger who, aside from Anton Lundell, holds significant experience among Panthers under the age of 25. After a promising rookie season in 2024-25, where he notched 15 goals and 31 points over 72 games, expectations rose sharply in 2025-26. Despite having more opportunities due to injuries among star players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, Samoskevich struggled to find his rhythm, concluding the season with just 12 goals and 32 points in 77 games. Nevertheless, the Panthers still believe in his potential, which could also make him an attractive trade asset should the team pursue a high-profile goaltender like Connor Hellebuyck from the Winnipeg Jets.
Another player worth noting is Mike Benning, a defenseman who showed great promise late in the AHL season, finishing with eight goals and 31 points in 57 games. In the NHL, he demonstrated his capability by logging over 20 minutes of ice time in three separate games. With a full defensive lineup expected for next season, Benning will be among those competing for a spot, likely pushing for the role of a seventh defenseman due to his skillful skating and puck handling despite his smaller stature compared to other players.
Donovan Sebrango, another addition during the last season, has proven reliable as a third-pairing defenseman, participating in 40 games and maintaining a physical presence on the ice at 6-foot-2. His solid performance since being claimed off waivers makes him a valuable asset the Panthers should consider re-signing.
Additionally, Tobias Bjornfot is an interesting consideration. Selected 22nd overall by the Los Angeles Kings in 2019, he accrued 153 games in the NHL and has shown himself capable while with the Panthers. However, he hasn’t yet secured a permanent roster spot, participating in only 19 games last season due to injury. Despite these challenges, he offers experience and stability to a third-pair defense line.
Conclusion
In summary, the Panthers must weigh the future of Samoskevich, Benning, Sebrango, and Bjornfot as they aim to solidify their roster amidst management upheaval and the upcoming draft decisions. Other RFAs, including Wilmer Skoog, Ben Steeves, Mikulas Horvoka, Evan Nause, and Cooper Black, also remain on the radar as the team strategizes for a healthier and more competitive 2026-27 season.
