Panthers News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Evan Rodrigues • C • Panthers

Evan Rodrigues Suffers Lower-Body Injury Wednesday

Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues (lower body) had a limited role in Wednesday's win over the Los Angeles Kings after he was hurt early in the game. He exited the action in the first period after taking a hit along the boards on a clearing attempt. Rodrigues returned to the contest for the second period, but he missed the final 5:16 of the third frame, finishing with barely 12 minutes of ice time. He doesn't appear to be dealing with anything serious. "We don't think it's too significant," Panthers head coach Maurice said postgame. On Wednesday, Rodrigues finished scoreless for the sixth time in nine December outings. He has totaled eight goals and 16 points in 33 games for the season.

4 hours ago

Matthew Tkachuk • LW • Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk's Status Uncertain for Winter Classic

Florida Panthers winger Matthew Tkachuk (groin) is nearing his season debut, but he may not be ready at the start of 2026. "I don't know," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said Wednesday when asked whether Tkachuk would be available for this season's Winter Classic on Jan. 2 against the New York Rangers. Before the season started, Zito said Tkachuk was expected to be out until "December-ish." Tkachuk's return would be huge for a Panthers team that has lost Aleksander Barkov (knee) for the season and has taken several injury blows throughout the campaign. The back-to-back champions are currently just outside the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

20 hours ago

Gustav Forsling • D • Panthers

Gustav Forsling Available Against Kings

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. He sustained an undisclosed injury in Monday's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, exiting the contest in the third period. Fortunately for Florida, Forsling won't have to miss additional time. The Swedish blue-liner has played in all 32 games this season, logging 14 points (one goal, 13 assists), 39 shots, 37 blocks, and 26 hits. He has been a great asset for the Panthers, though Forsling's contributions on the attacking end have been lacking recently. He has not scored any points in four straight games, appearing on the score sheet just twice in 10 appearances.

20 hours ago

Sam Reinhart • C • Panthers

Sam Reinhart Pots Two Goals Against Lightning

Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart notched two goals in Monday's 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made a big impact on special teams, opening the scoring during a short-handed situation early in the game and netting Florida's fourth goal of the contest on the power play in the second frame. Reinhart now has four career games with both a short-handed and a power-play goal, tying him for the most among active players. Overall, Reinhart has potted 17 goals this season, grabbing five of them with the man advantage and three with his team a man down. He is tied for the league lead with five game-winning markers. Over 32 appearances, Reinhart has also produced 15 assists, putting him on track for a third consecutive year with a scoring average of at least one point per game.

2 days ago

Gustav Forsling • D • Panthers

Gustav Forsling Injured in Monday's Win

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (undisclosed) was injured early in the third period of Monday's 5-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He left the contest after blocking a shot from Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov with his left arm. So far this season, Forsling has been ever-present in the Panthers' lineup, recording 14 points (one goal, 13 assists), 39 shots, 37 blocks, and 26 hits in 32 outings. He skates on the first defensive pairing and is a vital player for the penalty kill. Florida plans to re-evaluate Forsling on Tuesday. The Panthers have Donovan Sebrango as an extra defenseman on the roster, and he could get an opportunity to play this week if Forsling has to sit out additional time.

2 days ago

Sam Bennett • C • Panthers

Sam Bennett Tallies Three Points Against Mammoth

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett registered two goals and one assist in Wednesday's 4-3 road victory over the Utah Mammoth. He set up Carter Verhaeghe for a goal late in the first period and lit the lamp twice inside the opening 3:24 of action in the second. Bennett now has a whopping eight points (three goals, five assists) over his last four appearances. That is nearly half of his entire tally this season. In 29 outings, Bennett has contributed nine goals and 11 assists. 15 of Bennett's 20 points have come in 11 games since Nov. 17.

7 days ago

Sam Bennett • C • Panthers

Sam Bennett Bags Season-High Four Points Saturday

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett played a huge role in Saturday's high-scoring 7-6 overtime victory against the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring the game-winning goal and delivering three assists. Bennett, who posted a new season high with four points, ended the game with just two ticks left in overtime. His entire line was on fire, as Brad Marchand also had four points (one goal, three assists) and Carter Verhaeghe finished with three points (two goals, one assist). After a sluggish start to the campaign, Bennett has started to look like his old self lately, going scoreless only twice in his past nine outings. During that span, he has produced three multi-point performances. Overall, Bennett has managed 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) in 27 games.

Dec 7

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.

Dec 4

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.

Nov 27

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

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