Florida Panthers History Piece: Remembering Ed Jovanovski’s time here

During this history piece, we take a look back at one of the best Florida Panthers’ player to ever wear the jersey. Of course, that player would be: Ed Jovanovski!

Ed Jovanovski was drafted first overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. Jovo spent a total of six and a half seasons with the Cats, resulting in two stints (1995-half of 1999, 2011-2014). The now 41-year-old has experienced both highs and lows during his time here in Sunrise Florida, but will always be remembered for his physical style of play.

Following the year in which he was drafted (1994), the 1994-1995 season was locked out (suspended) for three-and-a-half months due to a labor dispute. During that time, Ed continued to develop in the OHL, with the Windsor Spitfire. Shortly after the lockout, the Florida Panthers decided to keep Jovo in junior’s, forcing him to remain in Windsor the remaining of the year. In result of that hectic year, Jovanovski was named to the OHL First All-Star Team.

The following year (1995-1996), Ed took place in preseason games with the Panthers. Unfortunately, he broke his hand while fighting Whalers’ forward Brendan Shanahan. He was forced to sit out for 11 games. After recovering from his brutal injury, Jovo ended up scoring his first career NHL goal against the Hartford Whalers. Ed would finish off his rookie year with 21 points in 70 games played.

More from Editorials

• Best Panthers prop bets for Stanley Cup Final Game 3
• Best Panthers NHL prop bets for Stanley Cup Final Game 2
• Panthers prop bets for Stanley Cup Final Game 1
• Panthers Get An Early Christmas Present From NHL
• Panthers vs. Flyers: Players to watch closely

Heading into the 1996 playoffs, Jovanovski helped the Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Sadly, the Cats would crash out in 4, and would bow out of the competition with a second place finish. Nevertheless, he was apart of arguably the best Panthers squad of all time. The effect of this spectacular run led Ed being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team, along with a nomination for the Calder Memorial Trophy. Daniel Alfredsson would later beat out Jovo for the Calder (Rookie of the year).

From 1996-1998, Ed’s game was lacking in production and was later shipped out to Vancouver, during half way through the 99′ season. The Panthers sent Jovo, Dave Gagner, Mike Brown, Kevin Weekes and a first-round pick (2000) to Vancouver, in exchange for Pavel Bure, Bret Hedican, Brad Ference and a third round pick (2000).

Fast forward twelve years later. On July 1st, 2011, Jovo signed a four-year deal which would keep him in “Sunny Rise” Florida until 2015. This signaled a new era for the Panthers, as they would go on to make the playoffs for the first time in ten years. Following a tremendous season from the Cats, Jovanovski would captain the Panthers for the next two seasons.

Next: Florida Panthers: Trading Dmitry Kulikov was a brilliant move in hindsight

As age started to catch up with Ed, he was eventually placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buyout. He would remain inactive during the 2014-15 NHL season. December 28th, 2015 would signal a final goodbye from Ed. This would be the day where Jovo would hang up the skates for good and say a final good-bye to the game he loved most.

Despite only reaching the Stanley Cup Finals once in his career, Ed Jovanovski will forever be remembered as a Panthers legend. Nothing more, nothing less.