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5 Bold Moves That Could Reshape the Florida Panthers This 2026 Offseason
TL;DR
The Florida Panthers face critical decisions in the 2026 offseason to remain competitive under a tight salary cap. With an aging roster and a missed playoff appearance, bold moves are necessary to reshape the team for the future.
Key points
- Florida Panthers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Team faces pressure to stay competitive
- Tight salary cap complicates roster decisions
- Bold moves could reshape the franchise
- Mackie Samoskevich may sign a long-term contract
Florida PanthersMackie Samoskevich
Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Florida Panthers enter the 2026 offseason with real pressure to stay in contention while managing a tight salary cap and an aging core. After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the front office faces tough decisions that could define the next era of the franchise.
From potential roster shakeups to smart, cost-cutting moves and strategic retools, several bold choices are already on the table. Here are five moves that could reshape the Panthers heading into next season.
Mackie Samoskevich signs long-term contract with Florida
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Mackie Samoskevich is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after signing a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000 last offseason. Instead of a short-term deal, the Panthers should sign Samoskevich to a long-term contract to keep him with the organization. The 23-year-old forward is good for the bottom six, and the contract would allow him to continue thriving in that role after a good end to the season.
A.J. Greer comes back for another run with the Panthers
Q&A
What are the key challenges facing the Florida Panthers in the 2026 offseason?
The Panthers must navigate a tight salary cap while managing an aging core and the pressure to remain competitive after missing the playoffs.
What bold moves are being considered for the Florida Panthers this offseason?
Potential moves include roster shakeups, cost-cutting strategies, and strategic retools to redefine the team's future.
How could Mackie Samoskevich's long-term contract impact the Panthers?
Signing Mackie Samoskevich to a long-term contract could provide stability and a key player for the Panthers as they reshape their roster.
What does the future hold for the Florida Panthers after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
The Panthers need to make significant changes this offseason to improve their chances of returning to playoff contention in the future.
