The Florida Panthers are showing the NHL how to build a winner, and it’s not the way most people might think.
Sure, they’ve struck gold in the draft. Aleksander Barkov, their superstar center who they picked second overall in 2013, has been everything they hoped for and more.
They’ve had other draft wins too. Aaron Ekblad was the top pick in 2014, and Anton Lundell (12th pick in 2020) is developing into a solid player.
But here’s where it gets interesting: the Panthers’ real success comes from something else entirely – their incredible ability to spot talent other teams have overlooked.
Take Sam Bennett, for example. He’s playing so well in these playoffs that he’s the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The Panthers got him in a trade that’s looking pretty genius right now.
Then there’s Matthew Tkachuk, another trade acquisition who’s become a game-changer for the team.
And get this – they found their top defenseman, Gustav Forsling, on the waiver wire. That’s like finding a Ferrari at a garage sale.
Now in their third straight Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers have created a blueprint that other teams might want to copy.
It’s all about being bold in the trade market. While other teams play it safe, Florida’s been willing to make big moves.
Five teams that should take a page from Florida’s playbook this offseason:
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