A few days ago, Daily Faceoff writer Mark Larkin published an article highlighting the five most improved NHL teams heading into the new season. Unsurprisingly, the Florida Panthers made the list, thanks to a busy offseason that saw the franchise reunite with Radko Gudas and Jacob Markström, but also bring in Brady Tkachuk via a blockbuster trade. But these names aren't the only reason the team improved; captain Aleksander Barkov is back after missing an entire season due to injury. Several star players, including Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart, are also healthy heading into training camp. After a down year for the Panthers and their fanbase, everyone is eager to see how the 2026-27 season plays out.
Panthers revamp their goalie platoon
For seven years, Sergei Bobrovsky guarded the crease, but after a legendary run in Florida, he took his pads and headed north to Toronto, where he’ll play for the next three seasons. As bittersweet as it is to see him in a different sweater after a subpar season, it was time for a change, giving the Panthers a chance to find a fresh face to be in goal. Although Bill Zito didn’t go younger, he brought back 36-year-old Markström with hopes that he could stay healthy and be sharp enough to lead a contending team to the Stanley Cup.
Meanwhile, the team found another backup goalie, moving on from Danii Tarasov and signing unproven Akira Schmid. Interestingly, the Panthers’ newest netminder is no stranger to high-pressure situations, as he helped the New Jersey Devils win a playoff series a few years ago and then assisted the Vegas Golden Knights en route to their Pacific Division championship last year. Despite not playing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2026, he’s got experience being around a team that went on a deep playoff run.
O Captain, My Captain
As mentioned, the Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk to play alongside his brother Matthew. For the past five seasons, the 27-year-old was captain of the Ottawa Senators and is now the latest active captain of another franchise to relocate to Florida, joining names like Brad Marchand, Kyle Okposo, and Radko Gudas. After playing with the Panthers for three seasons, Gudas went to the Anaheim Ducks, where he earned a promotion to captain in 2024. Miami is a preferred destination for NHL leaders, who can bring invaluable experience to the Panthers' dressing room.
Although Tkachuk and Markström headline the team’s big offseason moves, Florida also tweaked their bottom six by bringing in Garnet Hathaway, Sam Lafferty, and former Stanley Cup winner Lars Eller. Despite being one of the oldest players under contract in the NHL this season, Eller is another veteran with over 1,100 games and 116 playoff games.
Of course, the 2026-27 Panthers will look and play differently than previous years. Still, Zito went out of his way to ensure that last year’s failed playoff attempt is a one-and-done situation and that Florida is back to not only contend for a Stanley Cup, but win it all for the third time in four years.
Add us as a preferred source on Google