Fresh off winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and making a third straight appearance in the Final, the Florida Panthers have solidified their place among the NHL’s elite. With their core still intact and General Manager Bill Zito pulling all the right strings, the Cats are building something that looks more like a dynasty than a fluke. But the road to a three-peat won’t be easy — and this offseason carries weighty decisions that could determine whether Florida remains at the summit of the hockey world in 2025-26.
The Panthers not only repeated as Stanley Cup champions but did so with the poise and balance of a veteran club that never seemed rattled. Their 98-point regular season was built on one of the league’s stingiest defenses (2.72 goals against per game, 7th in the NHL), and their offense clicked when it needed to — especially in the postseason.
Sam Reinhart once again paced the team with a 39-goal, 81-point season, while Sam Bennett stepped up with a career-best 51 points. Aleksander Barkov continued to prove why he’s one of the NHL’s most complete players, winning another Selke Trophy while producing 71 points.
At the trade deadline, Zito went bold, acquiring defenseman Seth Jones and forward Brad Marchand. Both were pivotal down the stretch, with Marchand turning back the clock in the playoffs. This was a deep team that didn’t rely on just one line — a hallmark of true Cup contenders.
Florida’s toughest playoff test came in the second round against Toronto, where they dropped the first two games before rallying to win in seven. They also blew a 3-0 lead in Game 4 of the Final against Edmonton, eventually losing in overtime. But even when the Panthers faltered, they quickly responded.
The only consistent area of concern? Occasional lapses in scoring depth. At times, secondary scoring went quiet, though it never cost them a series. For now, that’s a luxury problem when you have four lines capable of stepping up — but it’s something to monitor as key contracts come due.
Keys to the Offseason
Florida enters the offseason with $19 million in projected cap space, but big decisions loom:
1. Re-signing Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad
Both are pending unrestricted free agents and core members of the team. If Zito can retain them, it’ll eat up most of that $19 million. Letting either go would free up room but create gaping holes in the top six (Bennett) or top-four defense (Ekblad).
2. What to Do With Brad Marchand
The 37-year-old was electric in the playoffs and fit seamlessly into the Panthers’ system. A short-term deal could work for both sides, especially if Marchand wants one more run at a Cup. But his age and cost will be a factor.
3. Backup Goaltending
Vitek Vanecek is a pending UFA, and at 37, Sergei Bobrovsky can’t be expected to carry a full workload again. Florida must find a reliable backup — potentially through free agency or a low-cost trade.
4. Filling Out the Blue Line
Even if Ekblad returns, depth on defense will be a focus. With no first-, second-, or third-round picks in this year’s draft (Florida owns picks in Rounds 4, 4 [CGY], 5, 5 [SJ], 6, and 7), the team won’t be adding NHL-ready talent through the draft. Zito may need to get creative in free agency or via smaller trades to round out the roster.
Draft Outlook
With only Day 2 picks (starting in the fourth round), Florida is once again operating in “win-now” mode. Don’t expect immediate help from their draft class, though Zito has shown an ability to find value late. Developmental prospects will stay in the pipeline while the NHL roster stays loaded with veterans.
How Much Better Can They Be in 2025-26?
“Better” may not mean more wins in the regular season, but this team’s bar is Stanley Cup or bust — again.
The Panthers will continue to be one of the NHL’s top contenders if:
- Bobrovsky maintains his form at age 37
- Bennett and Ekblad are re-signed without crippling the cap
- Depth scoring and defense are reinforced
- Marchand is retained or adequately replaced
The X-factor? Injuries and age. This group has mileage, especially in the top-six forwards and the crease.
Realistic Expectations
Cup contenders. So long as Bill Zito continues to keep the core intact and Bobrovsky doesn’t fall off a cliff, the Panthers are positioned to challenge for a third straight title. Even without high draft picks and limited cap room, this is a well-run, battle-tested roster with a winning culture.
It’s a tough league to dominate — but if Florida pulls off another Cup run in 2025-26, they’ll officially etch themselves into NHL dynasty status. The offseason moves to come will tell us just how close they are to making that a reality.
