The Florida Panthers have moved to secure a piece of their developing forward group, officially re-signing restricted free agent Mackie Samoskevich to a one-year contract. The agreement, confirmed on Thursday, ensures the young forward remains with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.
This past season marked Samoskevich`s first full campaign in the National Hockey League. He appeared in 72 games for the Panthers, demonstrating flashes of the skill that made him a first-round draft pick. By season`s end, the 22-year-old registered a respectable 31 points, courtesy of 15 goals and 16 assists. While his role in the playoffs was limited, he did contribute one assist during the team`s successful title defense.
Panthers President and General Manager Bill Zito expressed confidence in Samoskevich`s trajectory. “Mackie is a talented young forward who demonstrated skill and maturity well above his age in his first full NHL season,” Zito commented. He highlighted Samoskevich`s versatility, noting the player`s “ability to slot into any hole in our lineup and find success,” attributing it to both his on-ice ability and character. Zito reiterated the organization`s anticipation of seeing Samoskevich “compete in our organization for years to come.”
Drafted 24th overall in 2021, Samoskevich spent two seasons developing at the University of Michigan before making the jump to professional hockey. His initial NHL taste came during the 2023-24 season, where he played seven games without recording a point, making his 2024-25 production a significant step forward.
The decision to sign Samoskevich to a one-year deal is a common strategy for restricted free agents at this stage of their career. For the team, it offers flexibility while allowing the player another season to prove his consistent impact and earn a potentially longer-term, more lucrative contract down the line. For Samoskevich, it`s an opportunity to build upon a solid rookie season and solidify his place as a key contributor on a competitive roster. Essentially, a well-deserved vote of confidence, coupled with a clear invitation to `show us what you`ve got, again,` on a slightly bigger stage now that the rookie jitters are, presumably, out of the system.
As the Panthers look ahead, retaining young, cost-controlled talent like Samoskevich is crucial for maintaining their championship window. His development will be closely watched, as he aims to transition from a promising first-year player to an indispensable part of the team`s core.
Tristan Blackwood