Florida Panthers Still Have Young Talent Pool if Draft Does Not Work Out – The Hockey Writers – Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers did not make the postseason and will not retain their Stanley Cup. They finished their regular season with a record of 39-38-4 and 82 points to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

When the team traded for defenseman Seth Jones last season, they sent over a first-round pick along with Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks. That selection came with a catch: it is a top-10 protected pick. Due to their finish in the standings, they will have a top-10 pick in this year’s draft, but it is unknown what general manager Bill Zito is going to do with said pick. Assuming he ships it off, or the selection ends up being a bust, the Panthers have some great prospects that could keep hope for future high.

Cole Reinhardt

He has no relation to Sam Reinhart, but he could be just as lethal on the ice. Cole Reinhardt was acquired off waivers from the Vegas Golden Knights on March 6.

He found the back of the net four times in a three-game goal streak and tallied five points in a four-game point streak. Through 14 games with the Panthers, he recorded six points (five goals, one assist) along with a plus-2 rating.

Mackie Samoskevich

Even though it was an off year for him, forward Mackie Samoskevich still offers a high upside for the future and still looks to be a big piece of the roster going forward.

In his final three games, he scored two goals and added three assists. In his final 10 games of the season, he lit the lamp six times to wrap up his season with 12 goals and 20 assists.

Sandis Vilmanis

In a time where the Panthers’ depth was tested, Latvian forward Sandis Vilmanis came onto the scene and made the best of his time.

Between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, he scored a pair of goals and tallied an assist. In addition, he was named to the Team Latvia roster at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He finished the season with three goals and two assists through 19 appearances. With the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League (AHL), he was electric with 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) and a plus-18 rating through 46 games.

Mike Benning

Benning is defensive prospect who is finally coming out of the AHL. He was drafted back in 2020 in the fourtth round (95th overall) and in 18 games, recorded six points (two goals and four assists).

His father, defenseman Brian Benning, played 97 games with the Panthers across the inaugural 1993-94 season in 1994-95. This establishes the family’s deep connection to the franchise.

Regardless, the Future Is Bright as Sunny South Florida

The Panthers are playing with house money when it comes to their future. This includes whoever they decide to select in the upcoming draft.

The prospects on the current roster and inn the pipeline will be shown a championship way of life and culture through experiences from the team’s veterans. And with the players they missed this season coming back at full strength next season, the youth should be taking a ton of notes, as this team can drive their careers far. Their youthful energy will hopefully help keep the Cup window open for a bit longer.