Florida Panthers Off-Season Roster Enhancements
This off-season, the Florida Panthers strengthened their roster by adding two versatile forwards, Jack Studnicka and Nolan Foote, who may greatly contribute to the team both in the NHL and AHL. As the Panthers look to make a push this season, their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, are aiming to reclaim a spot in the Calder Cup finals.
Checkers’ Lineup and Key Departures
Despite the loss of key players such as John Leonard and promising prospect Justin Sourdif, alongside veteran Rasmus Asplund, the Checkers believe they have the necessary depth to compensate for these departures.
A notable boost to the Checkers’ lineup will come from Jack Devine, the Panthers’ top prospect, who is anticipated to join the team for the 2025-26 season. Additional young talent, including Gracyn Sawchyn and Hunter St. Martin, is expected to bolster the team’s scoring capabilities.
Impact of Newcomers Studnicka and Foote
The contributions from newcomers Studnicka and Foote could prove significant, as both players have demonstrated an ability to excel in the AHL, even if their NHL careers have yet to fully materialize.
Studnicka was selected 53rd overall in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins. Standing at 6-foot-1, the right-handed winger has recorded 57 goals and 162 points across 255 AHL games, but his NHL experience is limited to 107 games with just six goals and 16 points. His speed and skill are more pronounced in the AHL, where he has consistently performed, though he struggles to find a foothold in the NHL. Should the Panthers require depth in their bottom-six lineup, Studnicka may step in, but his optimal environment appears to be within AHL competition.
Conversely, Foote, a first-round pick (27th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019 Draft, has yet to fully showcase his talents in the NHL, primarily due to the depth of the New Jersey Devils’ roster. At 24 years old, he has amassed 62 goals and 129 points in 191 AHL appearances, while his time in the NHL, although limited to 30 games, includes six goals and nine points. While injuries impeded his progress in the 2023-24 season, Foote possesses untapped potential that could surface with more opportunities at the NHL level.
Future Prospects and Evaluations
Realistically, both players might see minimal game time with the Panthers this season and play a restricted role if they do. However, if they excel in the AHL, they can secure future contracts that would aid the Checkers in their quest for success.
In related news, The Hockey News‘ Tony Ferrari is currently evaluating NHL teams’ prospect pools, recently highlighting the Florida Panthers, who have garnered positive feedback regarding their talented stable of prospects.
