Now, Samoskevich is not only a regular for the Panthers as they attempt to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, he’s a key cog in what they do in his rookie season. He’s playing top-six minutes on Florida’s second line with center Sam Bennett and, as of Monday, began receiving playing time on the Panthers’ top power-play unit.
Connor Bedard reacted to the arrival of goaltender Spencer Knight, who came to the Chicago Blackhawks to play the 2024-25 NHL season after several seasons with the Florida Panthers.
Florida acquired center Nico Sturm, along with a seventh-round pick in 2027, from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the 2026 fourth-round pick. Sturm, 29, has played his entire seven-year NHL career in the Western Conference, first with Minnesota before a brief stop in Colorado, and then the past three seasons in San Jose.