The Florida Panthers enter the 2026 offseason with real pressure to remain in contention while managing a tight salary cap and an aging population. After missing the Stanley Cup playoffs, the front office faces difficult decisions that could define the next era of the franchise.
From potential roster shakeups to smart, cost-cutting moves and strategic retools, several bold options are already on the table. Here are five moves that could reshape the Panthers next season.
Mackie Samoskevich signs long-term contract with Florida
Mackie Samoskevich is about to become a restricted free agent after signing a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000 last offseason. Rather than a short-term deal, the Panthers should sign Samoskevich to a long-term contract to keep him with the organization. The 23-year-old forward is good for the bottom six, and the contract will allow him to progress into that role after a good end to the season.
AJ Greer comes back for another run with the Panthers
AJ Greer was not moved at the NHL trade deadline as a pending free agent, and Florida should bring him back. The Panthers should give Greer a three-year contract after his breakout season. The 29-year-old forward scored 17 goals and 32 total points, bringing much-needed physicality. If Florida returns next season, Greer would be a wonderful depth piece.
Florida Panthers re-sign goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky
Sergei Bobrovsky is set to enter NHL free agency, but the Panthers shouldn’t let that happen this summer. Florida should re-sign Bobrovsky to a short-term contract and make him the starting goaltender for another Stanley Cup playoff push. The 37-year-old struggled to produce during the 2025-26 NHL season, but he should be better next year.
Panthers get a new backup goalie for Bobrovsky
If the Panthers bring back Bobrovsky, he will be the only main goaltender on the roster at this time. Daniil Tarasov is scheduled to become a free agent; However, the team would not bring him back in this scenario. Instead, the Panthers will be looking for a new backup goaltender, with Connor Ingram, Cameron Talbot, Stuart Skinner and Frederik Andersen representing good experienced options in NHL free agency.
Ottawa Senators trade Brady Tkachuk to Panthers
The Panthers have the ammunition to make a big trade, and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk would be the best option. Tkachuk has been linked to Florida for years because of his brother, Matthew Tkachuk, and he could request a trade this offseason. If the Panthers want to reshape the roster for another Stanley Cup Finals appearance, trading for Tkachuk would be the biggest answer.
READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk trade rumors – 5 possible landing spots, including Florida Panthers
#bold #moves #reshape #Florida #Panthers #offseason
