The defense will be sure to know the whereabouts of Uvis Balinskis. Uvis Balinskis 1-year veteran who plays defender and weighs 196 pounds. Coming from Latvia, he has a birthdate of August 1, 1996 and measures 6-0. Aleksander Barkov is someone else that will be a big contributer for this team. Aleksander Barkov enters the arena as a 6-3 forward that weighs in at 214 pounds and hails from Finland. He is a 11-year professional that has a birthdate of September 2, 1995 and is 29 years of age. With a career points total of 747, Barkov has also earned a shooting percentage of 13.7%. Just as importantly, Sam Bennett should be an impact player. Being born on June 20, 1996, Sam Bennett comes in as the forward, and he is a 10-year vet in pro hockey. The Canada born product weighs 193 lbs and has a height of 6-1. Along with his 150 goals, Sam Bennett has taken care of his team 162 different times with a helper.
2024-25 Florida Panthers Roster
| Player | Nation | Pos | Age | Hgt | Wgt | Exp | Birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uvis Balinskis | lv | D | 28 | 6-0 | 196 | 1 | August 1, 1996 |
| Aleksander Barkov | fi | F | 29 | 6-3 | 214 | 11 | September 2, 1995 |
| Sam Bennett | ca | F | 28 | 6-1 | 193 | 10 | June 20, 1996 |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | su | G | 36 | 6-2 | 180 | 14 | September 20, 1988 |
| Adam Boqvist | se | D | 24 | 6-0 | 191 | 5 | August 15, 2000 |
| Jesper Boqvist | se | F | 26 | 6-1 | 190 | 5 | October 30, 1998 |
| Aaron Ekblad | ca | D | 28 | 6-4 | 220 | 10 | February 7, 1996 |
| Gustav Forsling | se | D | 28 | 6-1 | 199 | 7 | June 12, 1996 |
| Jonah Gadjovich | ca | F | 26 | 6-3 | 211 | 4 | October 12, 1998 |
| Patrick Giles | us | F | 25 | 6-4 | 205 | R | January 3, 2000 |
| A.J. Greer | ca | F | 28 | 6-3 | 209 | 7 | December 14, 1996 |
| Spencer Knight | us | G | 23 | 6-3 | 192 | 3 | April 19, 2001 |
| Dmitry Kulikov | su | D | 34 | 6-1 | 212 | 15 | October 29, 1990 |
| Anton Lundell | fi | F | 23 | 6-1 | 196 | 3 | October 3, 2001 |
| Eetu Luostarinen | fi | F | 26 | 6-3 | 191 | 5 | September 2, 1998 |
| Niko Mikkola | fi | D | 28 | 6-4 | 204 | 5 | April 27, 1996 |
| Sam Reinhart | ca | F | 29 | 6-1 | 196 | 10 | November 6, 1995 |
| Evan Rodrigues | ca | F | 31 | 5-11 | 182 | 9 | July 28, 1993 |
| Mackie Samoskevich | us | F | 22 | 5-11 | 180 | 1 | November 15, 2002 |
| Nate Schmidt | us | D | 33 | 6-0 | 197 | 11 | July 16, 1991 |
| Matthew Tkachuk | us | F | 27 | 6-2 | 202 | 8 | December 11, 1997 |
| Carter Verhaeghe | ca | F | 29 | 6-2 | 183 | 5 | August 14, 1995 |
The Florida Panthers are an iconic professional ice hockey team that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL). Established in 1993, the Panthers have carved out a unique legacy within the realm of sports in Florida and beyond. As we trace their journey through team history, it becomes apparent why they are an integral part of our state’s storied sports culture. When the Florida Panthers entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1993, they were among numerous ’90s newcomers, including the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Co-owned by Wayne Huizenga, Bill Torrey, and Brian Kleebaum, the team named Alan B. Cohen as their general manager, a seasoned player in the sports management industry. They soon found their first home in Miami Arena, showcasing their talents in front of roaring South Florida crowds. Boasting a mix of talented veterans and eager rookies, including future NHL star Jaromir Jagr, the Panthers made an impressive debut, finishing their inaugural season with a record of 33 wins, 34 losses, and 15 ties. This commendable first-year performance piqued the interest of Florida hockey fans and set the stage for a future filled with excitement and anticipation. As the ’90s continued, the Florida Panthers began demonstrating their potential as a formidable force in the NHL. Under the guidance of head coach Doug MacLean, the Panthers made several strategic signings, including free agent Bernie Nicholls and veteran defenseman Brian Benning. These roster additions, coupled with the talented core of players already in place, fueled their rise to hockey prominence. In 1996, the team experienced its first taste of playoff success. With a record of 41 wins, 31 losses, and 8 ties, the Panthers proudly earned a spot in the postseason. Fierce competitors, the Panthers soon found themselves in a heated battle with the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. Ultimately, the Panthers’ determination and skill prevailed, as they won the series in six games. This victory marked a defining moment in Florida Panthers history their first-ever playoff series win. The team went on to secure a playoff spot in the subsequent season as well, maintaining their status as a rising star in the NHL. As the new millennium dawned, so did a new era of change for the Florida Panthers. This decade saw the team experiencing roster and staff turnover, as well as relocating to a new home arena in 2000the modernized BankAtlantic Center (now known as FLA Live Arena) in Sunrise, Florida. This move brought the team closer to their larger, fervent fan base, thus reinforcing their commitment to their growing fan community. Despite the changes, however, the Florida Panthers’ dedication to building a winning team remained unwavering. In the 2000-2001 season, the team welcomed new head coach Terry Murray, who led them to the postseason yet again with a stellar lineup that included Roberto Luongo, Olli Jokinen, and Ray Whitney. Although their playoff journey came to an end in the second round, the Panthers’ return to the playoffs showcased their tenacity and reinforced their status as a formidable team. In the following seasons, Florida continued to strengthen its roster, acquiring skilled players such as Nathan Horton, Stephen Weiss, and Tomas Fleischmann. As the team’s talent pool grew, so did its potential for success. The Florida Panthers’ impact extends far beyond their NHL accomplishments, as they have become an integral part of their local community. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the team has taken great strides in fostering connections with South Florida residents and promoting the importance of sports and athleticism. Their dedication to philanthropy is evident in their creation of the Florida Panthers Foundation, which has provided countless South Floridians with financial support, educational resources, and unique opportunities. Additionally, the Florida Panthers have advocated for youth development and wellness through their involvement in initiatives like the Florida Panthers Summer Hockey School. This program offers aspiring young players the chance to train and learn from professional Panthers players and coaches. By engaging with local communities and nurturing the next generation of athletes, the Florida Panthers have solidified their legacy as more than just a professional sports team – they are a cherished symbol of their state’s pride and passion. Over the past three decades, the Florida Panthers have proven their mettle in the world of professional ice hockey. From their humble beginnings in Miami Arena to their current home in FLA Live Arena, the Panthers have consistently demonstrated their commitment to excellence on and off the ice. As we look forward to the next chapters in their team history, one thing remains certain: the Florida Panthers’ journey has just begun, and their legacy will continue to grow for generations to come. Mark your calendars and join us in cheering on the Florida Panthers as they continue to write their story, one unforgettable game at a time. Together, let’s celebrate the immense talent, camaraderie, and passion that define this iconic South Florida sports team.