In a move that reinforces their commitment to developing homegrown talent, the Florida Panthers have announced the re-signing of forward Mackie Samoskevich to a one-year contract. The agreement was finalized on Thursday, bringing the restricted free agent back into the fold for the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.
Samoskevich, a 22-year-old drafted 24th overall by the Panthers in 2021, completed his first full season in the National Hockey League during the 2024-25 campaign. He appeared in 72 games, registering 31 points split evenly between 15 goals and 16 assists. While finding his footing in the NHL, he also saw limited playoff action, contributing one assist in four games as the Panthers marched to their second consecutive championship.
Panthers President and General Manager Bill Zito expressed confidence in the young forward`s potential. “Mackie demonstrated skill and maturity beyond his years in his initial full NHL season,” Zito stated. He further highlighted Samoskevich`s adaptability, noting his ability to effectively contribute across various lineup positions. Zito`s comments underscore the team`s positive outlook on Samoskevich`s character and future development within the organization.
Before turning professional, Samoskevich honed his skills for two seasons at the University of Michigan. His NHL journey began with a brief seven-game stint in the 2023-24 season, where he did not record any points. His performance in 2024-25 marked a significant step forward, establishing him as a regular contributor at the NHL level.
The one-year term of the contract is common for young players completing their entry-level deals. It provides both the team and the player an opportunity to assess continued development and future fit before potentially committing to a longer agreement. For Samoskevich, it represents a chance to build upon his foundational season and solidify his place on a team currently at the pinnacle of the sport.
Securing Samoskevich on this deal allows the Panthers to maintain depth and retain a promising asset as they look ahead to the next season, aiming for an unprecedented third straight Stanley Cup victory.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow