Austin Konenski
The Florida Panthers enter the 2026 offseason with real pressure to stay in contention while managing a tight salary cap and an aging core. After missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the front office faces tough decisions that could define the next era of the franchise.
From potential roster shakeups to smart, cost-cutting moves and strategic retools, several bold choices are already on the table. Here are five moves that could reshape the Panthers heading into next season.
Mackie Samoskevich signs long-term contract with Florida
Mackie Samoskevich is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after signing a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000 last offseason. Instead of a short-term deal, the Panthers should sign Samoskevich to a long-term contract to keep him with the organization. The 23-year-old forward is good for the bottom six, and the contract would allow him to continue thriving in that role after a good end to the season.
A.J. Greer comes back for another run with the Panthers
A.J. Greer wasn’t moved at the NHL trade deadline as a pending free agent, and Florida should bring him back. The Panthers should give Greer a three-year contract after a breakout season. The 29-year-old forward scored 17 goals and 32 total points, bringing much-needed physicality. If Florida is back in the mix next season, Greer would be an amazing depth piece.
Florida Panthers re-sign goalie Sergei Bobrovsky
Sergei Bobrovsky is set to enter NHL free agency, but the Panthers shouldn’t allow that to happen this summer. Florida should re-sign Bobrovsky to a short-term contract and make him the starting goalie for another Stanley Cup Playoff push. The 37-year-old struggled to produce during the 2025-26 NHL season, but he should be better next year.
Panthers acquire a new backup goalie for Bobrovsky
If the Panthers bring back Bobrovsky, he would be the only main goaltender on the roster right now. Daniil Tarasov is scheduled to become a free agent; however, the team won’t bring him back in this scenario. Instead, the Panthers will look for a new backup goalie, with Connor Ingram, Cameron Talbot, Stuart Skinner, and Frederik Andersen representing good veteran options in NHL free agency.
Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers
The Panthers have the ammo to make a big trade, and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk would be the best option. Tkachuk has been linked to Florida for years due to his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, and he could request a trade this offseason. If the Panthers want to reshape the roster for another Stanley Cup Finals, trading for Tkachuk would be the biggest answer.
Read More: Brady Tkachuk Trade Rumors – 5 Potential Landing Spots, Including the Florida Panthers
