The Florida Panthers didn’t qualify for the playoffs in 2025-26, ending a six-year run that resulted in back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and three Final appearances. Of course, injuries played a significant part in their brief downfall from the top of the mountain, but for the first time in years the team had a lengthy offseason to lick their wounds and recover. Heading into the 2026-27 season, the expectations are high, probably the highest out of all 32 teams, so anything less than another championship banner would be considered a disappointment.
That leads us to today’s discussion of which Panthers players are under the most pressure this year. Whether it’s a newcomer or a veteran, everyone has to pull their weight, especially if the goal is another Stanley Cup parade.
Jacob Markstrom
It’s been 12 years since Jacob Markström last wore a Panthers sweater, the team that drafted him 31st overall at the 2008 Draft. Since leaving Florida, he’s been to Vancouver, Calgary, and New Jersey, becoming the second-winningest Swedish goalie of all-time, behind Hall of Famer Henrik Lundqvist. However, Markström has not won a single NHL award and has compiled a 14-17 playoff record. Although he’s never played behind a stacked lineup like the current Panthers, the 36-year-old is under enormous pressure to help guide the Panthers back to the Stanley Cup Final.
Brady Tkachuk
Being one of the new kids on the block doesn’t come with any additional pressure, does it? Well, there will be high expectations for Brady Tkachuk, the former captain of the Ottawa Senators, and younger brother of two-time Stanley Cup champion Matthew. These two just won an Olympic Gold Medal together and have their own podcast, which has ruffled feathers both on and off the ice. As a multi-time 20-goal scorer, Brady comes to town via a trade where Bill Zito mortgaged more draft picks to bring in another ringer. He’ll need at least 20 goals and make a memorable debut or run the risk of turning the fans against him.
Matthew Tkachuk
Obviously, so many Panthers could fill this third spot, including captain Aleksander Barkov, who is coming back from a significant injury. But he just won a World Championship and appears to be in great health. The main reason Matthew is on the list is that he hasn’t played a full season since 2023-24, and his production declined significantly from 109 points to just 34. Over the past two seasons, after lengthy playoff runs, Tkachuk has appeared in only 83 games and scored 91 points, so it’s clear that when he’s healthy, he’s a point producer. Considering the significance of this season and the addition of his brother to the lineup, Matthew’s health will be something to watch for the entire campaign.
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