For the first time in team history, the Florida Panthers will start the upcoming season as the defending Stanley Cup winners. They want to close off 2024–25 the same manner they did the previous season.
The team’s prospects participated in development camp during the summer. However, Mackie Samoskevich, a forward and the Panthers’ 24th overall pick in 2021, was not included on the roster. Despite only playing in seven NHL games the previous season, he did see some action. However, he appears to be a full-time member of the main roster this season. They consider him ready to advance in his career because he was left off the development camp squad.
Samoskevich Was Outstanding in the AHL
Samoskevich played the majority of the 2023–24 season for the American Hockey League (AHL) Charlotte Checkers. He was playing really well throughout that period. He assisted on 32 goals and scored 22 goals in 62 regular season games. Additionally, he played in three postseason games but did not score any points.
In 64 regular season games during his tenure in Charlotte, he has amassed 56 points (22 goals, 34 assists). In ten postseason games, he has four assists.
As a Wolverine, Samoskevich Was Even More Excellent
Samoskevich was an outstanding collegiate athlete at the University of Michigan. He was drafted so highly for this reason. He scored 10 goals and recorded 19 assists in 40 games while wearing a rookie jersey in the 2021–22 campaign. Although his team lost to Denver in the NCAA semifinals, they went on to win the Big Ten tournament that season.
Samoskevich performed much better in the next season. He finished one game fewer than last season with 39 assists while scoring 20 goals as a sophomore. Similar to the previous season, that one concluded with a Big Ten title but a defeat in the national tournament quarterfinal. Quinnipiac ended up winning the national championship this time. In 79 games during his tenure in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he scored 62 points.
In 2024–2025, Will Samoskevich Have a Roster Spot?
Although players such as Samoskevich are in the pipeline, general manager Bill Zito made phone calls during the previous free agency period. He signed contracts with Tomas Nosek, A.J. Greer, and Jesper Boqvist for the bottom six. Jonah Gadjovich is also anticipated to start as the additional forward in the squad.
It appears that injuries or head coach Paul Maurice’s decision to rest starters at the conclusion of the season will be the only ways he makes it into the starting lineup. Even then, unless they have a strong season-ending position, sitting elite players is not certain. Although he deserves a spot on the Panthers roster in 2024–2025, there may be too many players to support that notion.
Samoskevich Needs to Proceed with the Organization’s Next Step
Samoskevich possesses the background and experience of a top-tier NHL forward. In light of this, the team must assist him in reaching the next level of growth and figure out how to provide him additional playing time.
He has the potential to be a major player for the squad, and holding off too long could prove to be a grave error down the road. If they don’t, the front office might find themselves in a predicament similar to Owen Tippett’s.
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