ATLANTIC DIVISION

Florida Panthers (4th)

2022-23 Record: 42-32-8 92 Pts

Lost to the Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup

Key Subtractions: Anthony Duclair (traded to Sharks), Radko Gudas (signed with Ducks), Marc Staal (signed with Flyers), Alex Lyon (signed with Red Wings), Givani Smith (signed with Sharks), Patric Hornqvist (retirement), Eric Staal (unsigned), Colin White (unsigned), Chris Tierney (signed with Devils)

Key Additions: Evan Rodrigues, Niko Mikkola, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Mike Reilly, Anthony Stolarz, Steven Lorentz, Kevin Stenlund, Rasmus Asplund (two-way deal)

Overview: After struggling to find consistency for most of last season, the Panthers hit their stride down the stretch. Led by Matthew Tkachuk, they got hot at the right time. Able to squeak into the playoffs, they rallied from a three games to one deficit to stun the record-breaking Bruins in a huge first round upset.

Tkachuk’s fingerprints were all over that comeback series win. So, too, was Carter Verhaeghe, who scored the winner in sudden death to send the Cats to the second round. They got outstanding performances from a core that features Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Brandon Montour, Aaron Ekblad, and Sergei Bobrovsky, who reclaimed his status as a top goalie.

The irony is that they wouldn’t have even made it without the heroics of Alex Lyon. He was the goalie who carried them into the final wildcard to edge out the Penguins and Sabres. Lyon was replaced at the right time by coach Paul Maurice. Bobrovsky turned back the clock to take the Panthers on a great run.

With key contributions from Anton Lundell, Gustav Forsling, Nick Cousins, and now departed Anthony Duclair, Radko Gudas, Marc Staal, and Eric Staal, the Panthers played like a team to reach their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history. It was the commitment to playing stronger defensively under Maurice that allowed them to eliminate the Maple Leafs and sweep the Hurricanes to play for the Cup. They went through the three best teams to get there.

Unfortunately, the Panthers ran out of gas against the Golden Knights. Tkachuk and a few other players were banged up. It still was a memorable run. For once, the talent and depth showed for one of the league’s promising teams. What can they do for an encore?

Gone are Duclair, Gudas, Lyon, the Staal Brothers, and popular team leader Patric Hornqvist, who hung up the skates. GM Bill Zito brought in Evan Rodrigues to help offset the loss of Duclair, who became a cap casualty. They’ll miss Duclair’s speed and skill. But Rodrigues is a good skater with a strong shot. He can play power play and penalty kill. He should be a good fit in a secondary role.

Florida will have a different look on the back end. In are Niko Mikkola and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Mikkola is a solid skating defensive defenseman who did a nice job for the Rangers. He can play second or third pair and penalty kill. Ekman-Larsson is there to play some power play. He isn’t what he once was. But on a low risk one-year deal, maybe they’ll catch lightning in a bottle. It’ll be interesting to see if he can cut it under the demanding Maurice.

The good news is that Montour headlines the defense. He’s blossomed into one of the game’s best offensive weapons from the blue line. His breakout season included some memorable nights last postseason. As explosive as he is, Aaron Ekblad remains the key to their success. He played through an oblique tear and broken foot during a strong playoff. He isn’t expected back until November. Montour also might not be ready for the start of the season.

Gustav Forsling will play important minutes for Maurice. He remains underappreciated. A smooth puck moving defenseman who can contribute offensively, Forsling is a good player who gets it done. He will be leaned on heavily early in 2023-24.

Josh Mahura quietly had a good season. Zito was wise enough to add some depth in Mike Reilly and Dmitry Kulikov. That’ll help until the big boys are fully healthy.

If Bobrovsky is the starter, then Spencer Knight should be the understudy. How will he recover from the off-ice issues that forced him to enter the league player assistance program last February? Hopefully, things are headed in the right direction. Former Duck Anthony Stolarz was signed to replace Lyon. He’s good insurance.

The supporting cast includes pest Ryan Lomberg, the underrated Eetu Luostarinen, and Cousins. Steven Lorentz, Kevin Stenlund, and Rasmus Asplund were brought in.

Analysis: It’s impossible not to love a core that features Tkachuk, Barkov, Verhaeghe, Reinhart, Bennett, Lundell, Montour, and Ekblad. Lundell should continue to improve as a versatile checking pivot. Bennett remains a glue guy who provides the nuts and bolts.

The Panthers are strong at center, boast scoring wings, and depth. The defense will be a question. How well will Mikkola and Ekman-Larsson fit in the Maurice system?

Bobrovsky must perform more consistently during the regular season. If Knight is all the way back, that should help lighten the load.

Maurice is a proven coach who seems to do best when the pressure is off. There will be higher expectations this time.

Prediction: As has been noted, the Panthers won’t sneak up on anyone. Opponents know what they’re capable of. They proved it last spring.

They’ll have a target on their backs. As long as Montour and Ekblad round into form, they should be formidable. Especially with Tkachuk proving he was worth it. He will continue to terrorize opponents with his tenacious style.

It’s hard not to like the Panthers competing with the Leafs for the Atlantic Division. They look like the best two teams. Of course, the Bruins and Lightning will have something to say about that. The Sabres are expected to challenge as well.

Pencil in the Panthers for between 45 to 50 wins and over 100 points. They should be a lock this time. From there, they have a chance to go far. It’ll be a tug of war once the divisional playoffs roll around.