The Florida Panthers have addressed a notable item on their offseason checklist, officially re-signing forward Mackie Samoskevich to a one-year contract. The team announced the agreement on Thursday, July 10, 2025, ensuring the return of a valuable young asset who contributed to their recent championship success.
Samoskevich, a 22-year-old right-wing, was operating as a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. This past year marked his first full campaign in the National Hockey League, where he appeared in 72 games. During this significant step in his professional career, Samoskevich registered a respectable 31 points, composed of 15 goals and 16 assists.
His performance extended into the crucial playoff run. While not logging extensive minutes, Samoskevich dressed for four postseason contests and notched an assist as the Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup title. His journey to becoming an NHL regular included being drafted by Florida in the first round, 24th overall, in 2021, followed by two seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. He made his initial, brief NHL appearance during the 2023-24 season, playing seven games without recording a point, setting the stage for his breakout in 2024-25.
Panthers President and General Manager Bill Zito commented on the significance of retaining Samoskevich. He lauded the forward`s capabilities, stating Samoskevich demonstrated “skill and maturity well above his age” in his first full NHL season. Zito specifically highlighted the player`s tactical value, noting his proven ability to “slot into any hole in our lineup and find success,” attributing this adaptability to both his on-ice performance and underlying character. The organization evidently sees Samoskevich as a component of their future plans, looking forward to his continued presence.
Securing Samoskevich on a one-year term provides the Panthers with cost certainty and retains a player with recent NHL experience and demonstrated growth. For Samoskevich, it offers an opportunity to build upon his foundational rookie season, further refining his game and solidifying his role within a high-performance environment. It`s a straightforward, technical roster move that keeps a promising piece within the fold as the Panthers aim to maintain their championship pedigree.
