Panthers News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Carter Verhaeghe • C • Panthers

Carter Verhaeghe Ready to Return Thursday

Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe (personal) has rejoined the team and will play on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. He missed Tuesday's loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs due to the birth of his son. Verhaeghe is close to becoming the fourth Panther this season with 20-plus points. He has managed four goals and 12 assists in 24 outings. Recently, Verhaeghe has been red-hot, notching six points (two goals, four assists) during a three-game point streak. On Thursday, Verhaeghe will skate on the second line with Sam Bennett and A.J. Greer. He will also rejoin the first power-play unit.

5 hours ago

Matthew Tkachuk • LW • Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk Resumes Skating

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (groin) has resumed skating but is still without a set timeline for his return. Tkachuk provided the update on the "Wingmen" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Brady Tkachuk (thumb) of the Ottawa Senators. Before the start of the season, Panthers general manager Bill Zito announced that Tkachuk will be out until "December-ish." Despite being without Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov (knee), the Panthers have remained competitive, averaging over 3 goals per game (3.09). Veteran Brad Marchand is playing out of his skin and is currently on track to record his second career 90-point season.

7 days ago

Sam Reinhart • C • Panthers

Sam Reinhart Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart notched three points during Monday's 8-3 road win over the Nashville Predators, finishing with one goal and two assists. He did all of his scoring in even-strength situations, extending his point streak to seven games. During the streak, Reinhart has finished without a goal only two times, and he has lit the lamp in three consecutive games. While Reinhart was a disappointment to many fantasy managers early in the season, he has started to make up for it. Currently, he shares the league's second-longest active point streak with Dallas' Jason Robertson.

Nov 25

Aaron Ekblad • D • Panthers

Aaron Ekblad Battling an Illness

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad sat out Saturday's clash against the Edmonton Oilers due to illness, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. Initially, the Panthers announced that Ekblad was dealing with an upper-body injury. Florida's No. 1 defenseman missed his first game of the season. However, Ekblad is expected to make a quick return, as Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said that he will travel with the team for Monday's game against the Nashville Predators. Ekblad averages over one hit and block per game through 20 outings, but he has been limited to five points (one goal, four assists) on the offensive end this season.

Nov 23

Sergei Bobrovsky • G • Panthers

Sergei Bobrovsky Frustrates Devils With Shutout

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky kept the New Jersey Devils from scoring on Thursday night, logging a 31-save shutout in a 1 -0 win. This was a big bounce-back performance from Bobrovsky after he gave up five goals in Monday's 8-5 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. On Thursday, Bobrovsky became one of only three netminders with multiple shutouts this season. He has posted a 10-5-0 record while allowing 2.62 goals with a .893 save percentage. Colorado's Scott Wedgewood (12) is the only goalie in the league with more wins this campaign. Given Florida's injury problems, Bobrovsky's start to the season has been very impressive.

Nov 21

Eetu Luostarinen • C • Panthers

Eetu Luostarinen Out Week-to-Week After Barbecue Accident

Florida Panthers left wing Eetu Luostarinen (lower body) was labeled week-to-week by head coach Paul Maurice on Wednesday. According to Maurice, Luostarinen had a "barbecuing mishap," forcing him out of the lineup. "We don't have a lot of experience with this," Maurice said. "When he comes back and feels comfortable with the equipment on him, away we go." On Wednesday, Florida also announced that right wing Cole Schwindt will miss 2-3 months due to a broken arm. The two players join Aleksander Barkov (knee), Jonah Gadjovich (upper body), Tomas Nosek (knee), and Matthew Tkachuk (groin) on the shelf. With so many forwards out, former University of Denver standout Jack Devine is set to make his NHL debut in Thursday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils. At the same time, Mackie Samoskevich has moved to the first line, with Jesper Boqvist also landing a top-six role.

Nov 19

Eetu Luostarinen • C • Panthers

Eetu Luostarinen Out on Monday

Florida Panthers left wing Eetu Luostarinen (lower body) won't be in the lineup for Monday's tilt against the Vancouver Canucks. He is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Due to several injuries in the attacking department, Luostarinen has experienced more usage this season, allowing him to make a bigger impact. After 18 games, he sits fourth on Florida's scoring charts, with 10 points (three goals, seven assists). Luostarinen's exit from the lineup will push Mackie Samoskevich to a top-line role. Samoskevich is tied for fifth in scoring among the Panthers, boasting two goals and nine points. His numbers could get a good boost on Monday against a team that allows the fifth-most goals in the league.

Nov 17

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Stays Hot in Vegas

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand recorded a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. The veteran potted Florida's second goal and notched a power-play assist when Sam Reinhart produced the game-winning tally. Marchand scored in a fifth consecutive game, marking his best goal streak in a decade. During his 17-year NHL career, Marchand has had a longer goal streak only once -- a seven-game run in 2015-16. The 37-year-old really has turned back the clock this season, going scoreless only twice in 15 appearances and leading his team in all the main offensive categories. Marchand has racked up 18 points with 11 goals and seven assists. Another two points will give him 1,000 for his career.

Nov 11

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand on Track to Return Saturday

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (personal) is set to rejoin the team for Saturday's contest against the Dallas Stars. Earlier this week, he took a leave of absence for personal reasons. Marchand has been on fire this season, leading the Panthers with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 10 appearances. In Marchand's absence, Mackie Samoskevich skated on the second line during Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks. For Saturday's matchup, Samoskevich will move down in the lineup, but he remains a player to watch in fantasy leagues. The 22-year-old features heaviliy on the power play and is currently Florida's third-leading scorer, with seven points (two goals and five assists) in 11 games.

Oct 30

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Won't Play on Tuesday

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (personal) will not be in the lineup on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. The veteran forward has left the team to attend a family funeral. Marchand has turned back the clock in 2025-26, leading his team in all the main offensive categories. In 10 outings, he has amassed five goals and six assists. Mackie Samoskevich is expected to take Marchand's place on the second line Tuesday night. Despite averaging only 14:40 of ice time, Samoskevich is the third-highest scoring Panther this season, with six points (two goals, four assists) in 10 games. With more usage, he could become an even bigger offensive threat.

Oct 27

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Delivers Two Assists on Special Night

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand played a key role in Tuesday's 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins, assisting on two goals in his first game back in Boston after leaving the team last season. Just 1:01 into the game, Marchand recorded a power-play assist on a goal by Mackie Samoskevich. He also helped Eetu Luostarinen score Florida's third goal midway through the third period. Since leaving Boston, Marchand has found a new lease of life and is currently Florida's top scorer with eight points (three goals, five assists) in as many games. He needs just 12 more points to reach 1,000 for his career.

Oct 22

Niko Mikkola • D • Panthers

Niko Mikkola Cleared for Tuesday

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (upper body) has received the green light to play in Tuesday's encounter with the Boston Bruins. After exiting Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Buffalo Sabres with an upper-body injury, Mikkola had no issues getting through Monday's practice and is expected to be ready for Tuesday night. "We're careful about all kinds of injuries," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "Good to have him back. He plays hard every night and always has an ice bag on something. He was fine the next day." Mikkola's main strength as a player is his reliable play at the backend, and he has only limited fantasy value. In seven outings this season, Mikkola has recorded eight blocks and five hits but has not scored any points.

Oct 21

Niko Mikkola • D • Panthers

Niko Mikkola Hurt in Saturday's Loss

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola (upper body) joined the team's growing injury list on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. Mikkola exited the action in the second period, finishing with only 6:53 of ice time. The Panthers defense is already without Dmitry Kulikov (upper body), who has been ruled out for five months. Up front, the team can't count on Aleksandr Barkov (knee), Matthew Tkachuk (groin), and Tomas Nosek (knee). Donovan Sebrango and Tobias Bjornfot are the options to take Mikkola's spot in the lineup if the Finnish blue-liner is deemed unavailable for Tuesday's battle against the Boston Bruins.

Oct 19

Dmitry Kulikov • D • Panthers

Dmitry Kulikov to Miss Five Months Following Surgery

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (shoulder) has been ruled out for five months. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters on Wednesday that Kulikov will miss five months after having surgery to repair a labrum tear, an injury he sustained last Thursday during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Kulikov joins Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Matthew Tkachuk (groin) as long-term absentees for the Panthers. Despite these injury issues, the reigning champions currently lead their division with a 3-1-0 record. Uvis Balinskis has taken Kulikov's place on the third defensive pairing and is now expected to be a regular in the lineup until mid-March.

Oct 15

Dmitry Kulikov • D • Panthers

Dmitry Kulikov Placed on Injured Reserve

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (upper body) has been placed on Injured Reserve, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. The Russian veteran suffered an upper-body injury in Thursday's clash against the Philadelphia Flyers and must now sit out at least one week of action. Florida will be without Kulikov for four games, starting with Saturday's matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Uvis Balinskis, who has served as a healthy scratch at the beginning of the season, is expected to step into the lineup as Kulikov's replacement. Balinskis doesn't hold significant fantasy value. He finished last season with 18 points (four goals, 14 assists), 92 shots, and 83 hits in 76 games.

Oct 11

Sergei Bobrovsky • G • Panthers

Sergei Bobrovsky Stops 17 Shots in Season-Opening Win

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 17 of 19 shots as the team began its Stanley Cup defense with a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. The Russian netminder collected his eighth career win in a season-opening game, placing him among an elite group. Only Martin Brodeur (10), Marc-Andre Fleury (10), Curtis Joseph (10), and Ryan Miller (9) have won more season openers in NHL history. While Bobrovsky wasn't quite at his best, finishing with a .895 save percentage, he got the job done in a tight game. Bobrovsky's next chance to start will come on Thursday against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers.

Oct 8

Anton Lundell • C • Panthers

Anton Lundell Ready for Opening Night

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (upper body) has been cleared for action ahead of the first game of the season, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. According to Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, Lundell is good to go for Tuesday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks after shaking off an upper-body injury. Due to Aleksander Barkov's (knee) absence, Lundell's usage is set to increase this season, giving him extra fantasy value. Last season, Lundell recorded a career-high 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games while delivering 110 hits.

Oct 7

Aaron Ekblad • D • Panthers

Aaron Ekblad Fine for Season Opener

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed) will be available for Tuesday's season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has confirmed that Ekblad will be available against the Blackhawks after he sustained an undisclosed injury during Saturday's preseason contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ekblad has battled health issues for several years and has been limited to 107 regular-season contests over the past two campaigns. This makes him a risky fantasy option, but Ekblad produces solid numbers when he's in the lineup. He registered 33 points (three goals, 30 assists), 106 shots, 64 blocks, and 90 hits with a plus-11 rating in 56 appearances last season.

Oct 7

Anton Lundell • C • Panthers

Anton Lundell Considered Day-to-Day

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (upper body) is considered day-to-day, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. Lundell was hurt on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning and is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason finale when the two teams meet again. With Aleksander Barkov (knee) out for the season, it's vital for Florida to have Lundell available, and he apparently isn't dealing with anything too serious. Lundell is set to share the top-six center duties with Sam Bennett during Barkov's absence. He finished last season with a career-high 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games and could improve his numbers further with extra usage.

Oct 3

Niko Mikkola • D • Panthers

Niko Mikkola Inks Eight-Year Extension With Panthers

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola was signed to an eight-year extension by the team on Thursday. He agreed to a $40 million deal, giving Mikkola a cap hit of $5 million starting next season. Mikkola rarely makes headlines, but he's a highly rated player in Florida. "Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement. "He was an indispensable piece of our past two championship campaigns, and we are thrilled that Niko will be continuing his career with the Florida Panthers." Over the past two seasons, Mikkola has notched 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 46 postseason appearances. He registered 22 points (six goals, 16 assists), 116 shots, 88 blocks, and 137 hits in 76 regular-season outings last term.

Oct 2

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