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First-Round Pick Signs New Deal Following Stanley Cup Championship

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Fresh off his first Stanley Cup, Mackie Samoskevich is signing a new deal with the Florida Panthers. The Connecticut native is signing a one-year contract worth $775,000. 

First-Round Pick Re-Signs With the Panthers

In 72 games with the Panthers last season, Samoskevich scored 15 goals and added 16 assists for a total of 31 points. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Samoskevich played in four games, recording an assist. However, he did not see any time in the Eastern Conference Final or the Stanley Cup Final. 

The Panthers 2021 first-round pick did play in seven games during the 2023-24 season, but he recorded no points. His first NHL point came in October of 2024 when Samoskevich recorded an assist for the Panthers. His first NHL game a few days later as part of a Panthers comeback win.

Samoskevich’s Role Next Season

After playing in 72 games, Samoskevich is likely to have a role on the Panthers top-nine forward lines. The line he plays on, however, is unclear at this time. 

The Panthers have been figuring out their roster cconstruction already this offseason, especially on their forward lines. Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand are both recently signed. Therefore, it is likely Samoskevich plays a similar role for the Panthers in 2025-26 as he did this past seasons. A low pressure opportunity to improve in his career development and play his best.

Samoskevich certainly can be a top-six forward if he can continue to develop. However, as our scouting report from 2021 mentions, Samoskevich lacks of size and strength. This does make vulnerable in the defensive end and someone who can be bullied off the puck. However, he is a smart skater, which is why he was a productive player last year despite his lack of physicality.

At 22-years old, there is still plenty of time for Samoskevich to improve his game. If the forward can add some size and strength, he could become a mainstay in the Panthers lineup.

Main Photo: Sam Navarro- Imagn Images

The post First-Round Pick Signs New Deal Following Stanley Cup Championship appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.