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Florida Panthers 2016-17 Team Awards

By Joey Bailey

Apr 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Florida Panthers center Denis Malgin (62) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Panthers won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Florida Panthers center Denis Malgin (62) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Verizon Center. The Panthers won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been a tough year for us Florida Panther fans, I thought I’d give some player “awards” out just for fun. Though they underperformed as a unit there were some guys that played great hockey night in and night out, that shouldn’t go unrecognized. 

Rookie of the year: Michael Matheson

Mikey, like a lot of the D core had his fair share of struggles this season but, that’s not to overshadow the progress he’s made in his first NHL season. Going all the way back to opening night, Matheson had a great shift in OT single-handedly working Damon Severson off the puck and making the quick pass to Barkov for the game winner.

He would go on to post 17 points on 7 goals and 10 assists the rest of the way and demonstrate his handiness with the poke check and great skating abilities.

MVP: Vincent Trocheck

Now I had to give this one some thought because Jonathan Marchessault had a phenomenal season. What it ultimately came down to was Vinny coming up huge on the ice and as a leader in the absence of Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov.

Vinny went to his first all-star game this season and put up 23 goals and 31 assists, playing in all 82 games getting zero love from the refs at all times. He also probably has the best moment of the season too, scoring a game winning goal in the final seconds in St Louis.

Comeback Player: Jonathan Huberdeau 

Even though he made a late comeback this season, Huby was by far the most deserving. Making it back for the last 31 games after a nasty Achilles injury, he put up great numbers and showed why the first line had struggled in his absence.

10 goals and 16 assists and was at a point per game pace for his first 10-15 games back in the line up. His impact was instant to say the least but production slowed down as the season went on.

Next: Confidence: The Missing Ingredient To The Florida Panthers Season

Best offseason acquisition: Jonathan Marchessault

There’s so many categories he fits in but he was our best summer acquisition by far. 75 games, 30 goals (8 on the power play) and 21 assists, he was an offensive powerhouse with his shoot first mentality.

It’s hard to think where this team would’ve been without him. He made a huge difference in the absence of Huby and Barkov. His 30 goal season also marked the first for the Florida Panthers since 2008-09 (David Booth).

Traffic Cone: Jakub Kindl

Yes I said it, we all know he prefers “Ferrari” but I find this much more fitting. Bye Jakub

Best Hair: Tom Rowe

Do I even need to elaborate?

Best Goals: (Add every Barkov shootout goal) 

Marchy’s game winner against a familiar face 1/26/17

Barkov’s OT winner in Detroit 12/1/16

Vinny’s late game heroics 2/20/17

Best Saves:

Reimer hits the split to rob Lethera 2/20/17

Lu gets lucky with the stick save 12/13/16

Reimer save x2 3/14/17

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