Florida Panthers News, Trades & Rumors

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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.

Barkov Out, Pickard Staying, Stolarz’s Deal, & More NHL Rumors
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In today’s NHL rumors rundown, did the Edmonton Oilers pick Calvin Pickard over Connor Ingram? If so, why? In other news, Anthony Stolarz has signed a team-friendly extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs. How did that deal come together, and at that AAV? Finally, what’s the latest on the talks between the New Jersey Devils and Luke Hughes? Is this deal close to happening? Barkov Out 7-9 Months The news on Aleksander Barkov‘s injury is not good. The Florida Panthers star will be out 7-9 months and will miss the chance to captain Team Finland at the 2026 Olympics. Elliotte…

Panthers’ Daniil Tarasov Shows Promise for Backup Role
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The Florida Panthers enter the 2025-26 season the same way they entered last season, as defending Stanley Cup champions. They look to replicate the late and great Mike Bossy and the early 1980s New York Islanders by winning three straight Stanley Cups. Before the trade deadline last season, general manager Bill Zito decided to trade away the team’s backup goaltender, Spencer Knight, to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones, pivotal for said Cup win. While the defensive piece worked out great for the team, it left a gaping hole at the backup goaltender position. They did go…

Kampf’s Days Numbered, Kuznetsov Linked to Leafs & More NHL Rumors
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In today’s NHL rumor rundown, we look at David Kampf and how his days with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be numbered. Elsewhere, Evgeny Kuznetsov is still eyeing an NHL return, and the Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers have been interested in bringing him in. Finally, a Rasmus Andersson trade was close to the finish line, but he was unwilling to extend with the new team. Kampf Outside NHL Lineup, Could Be Waived While the past few seasons have seen Kampf as a good fourth-line defensive player for the Maple Leafs, his opportunities to get into the lineup may be…

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NHL’s Top 5 Defenses
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*this archive was originally written by Eugene Helfrick Defense wins championships. It’s a saying as old as hockey itself, but there is truth to this wisdom. A stout defense can both limit the opponent’s scoring chances while place additional pressure on them in the offensive zone. When a defense is…

 

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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.