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The Florida Panthers were founded by then-Blockbuster owner Wayne Huizenga. They began playing in the 1993–94 NHL season, where they set the then-record for the most successful expansion team until the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017–18. Their first game was played on Oct. 6, 1993, against the Chicago Blackhawks, which resulted in a 4-4 tie. They have made the playoffs on 11 occasions, including four trips to the Stanley Cup Final, in 1996, which they lost to the Colorado Avalanche, and in 2023, which they lost to the Golden Knights. They finally won their first championship in 2024 and followed it up with another one in 2025, defeating the Edmonton Oilers both years.

NHL’s Atlantic Division Likely to Be a Gauntlet in 2025-26

Barring something unforeseen, it doesn’t appear any more significant NHL moves will take place this offseason. With that, we can begin previewing each division and who’s improved the most this summer, starting with the Atlantic. It might not be quite as strong as it was during the 2024-25 campaign, but it sure won’t be a cakewalk. Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins were one of the more disappointing teams of the 2024-25 season, but it wasn’t necessarily a surprise. They were prime regression candidates after showing some red flags the previous season, and it bore true, as they finished with just…

Bruins Could Land Evan Rodrigues in Suggested Cap Dump Trade With Panthers

The Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins are on two different sides of the league right now. The Panthers are going to try and make another deep run into the postseason and push for their third consecutive Stanley Cup, while the Bruins are trying to rebuild from the ground up after a disastrous 2024-25 campaign. Related: NHL Network’s Top-20 Defensemen List is Awful While the Panthers were able to keep all of their key pending free agents from leaving, they may be forced to make a cap dump trade when superstar Matthew Tkachuk returns from injury, which may not be until…

Red Wings Offer to Ekblad, McDavid Extension & More NHL Rumours

In today’s NHL rumour rundown, the Detroit Red Wings were ready to offer Aaron Ekblad a big contract extension before he re-signed with the Florida Panthers. Elsewhere, Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers are expected to get a new deal done, with a low term and a surprisingly low salary. Finally, Jeremy Swayman’s contract negotiations and performance last season could have an impact on current restricted free agents (RFAs). Red Wings Were Ready for Massive Offer on Ekblad When it appeared that Ekblad was going to test the free agency market, the Red Wings were one of the many teams…

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NHL’s Top 5 Forward Lines for 2025-26

While individual talent typically headlines the league, it’s the synergy between linemates that defines a team’s success. Whether it’s long-established trios with years of familiarity or newly formed lines already showing flashes of brilliance, there are several high-powered combinations capable of shifting the outcome of a game, or even an…

Rethinking the Maple Leafs After Marner

This offseason has brought significant changes, not just for the Toronto Maple Leafs but for how we think about building a championship team. Mitch Marner—homegrown, skilled, and a face of the franchise—is now a Vegas Golden Knight. And Sam Bennett—once rumoured as a desired fit for Toronto—has re-signed with the…

 

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Panthers FAQ

What year were the Florida Panthers founded?

The Florida Panthers were founded in 1993 by then-Blockbuster owner Wayne Huizenga.

When did the Florida Panthers play their first game?

The Panthers’ first game was played on Oct. 6, 1993, against the Chicago Blackhawks, which resulted in a 4-4 tie.

Who is the current head coach of the Florida Panthers?

Paul Maurice is the current head coach of the Florida Panthers.