3 Florida Panthers Prospects Expected To Get NHL Playing Time In 2024-25

After the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup in 2024, the team lost a number of good pieces. This will force them to dip into their system and hope that some prospects are up to the challenge. That being said, these are three Panthers' prospects that should get playing time in the NHL this season.

Mackie Samoskevich

Mackie Samoskevich is regarded as the Panthers' top prospect and he had a great first AHL season, scoring 22 goals and 54 points in 62 games. He is a very talented puck handler and passer and did get a seven-game trial in the NHL last season where he didn't record a point. He only averaged 12 minutes per game, but did get 11 shots off. He should make Florida out of training camp and the lowest he should play is the third line to start so that his offensive abilities can be put to good use. Though there is a chance he plays a bit in the AHL if he struggles in the NHL in the third year of his entry-level deal, the majority of the season should be spent on the Panthers. The team needs young players to step up.

Justin Sourdif

Justin Sourdif had a similar type of season to Samoskevich in that he spent the majority of the 2023-24 season in the AHL for the Charlotte Checkers and got a small trial in the NHL with the Panthers. The former third-round pick scored 12 goals and 38 points in 58 games in the AHL and didn't record a point in the NHL in three games. He should take another step forward in the AHL this season, but I expect the 22-year-old to still play more games in the AHL than NHL this upcoming season. He is a well-rounded player and we should see a little more offense when he does come up to the big club.

Michael Benning

Michael Benning is one of the top defensive prospects in the Panthers' system and has a shot of making his NHL debut this season. The defensive depth on the Panthers is questionable heading into training camp and Benning had a strong first season as a pro in the AHL. He is very small, but that hasn't slowed his offense down at all. He is a great puckmover and scored nine goals and 26 points in 72 games as an AHL rookie. The Panthers can score and would probably like to see how Benning can move the puck to their talented forward group.