Articles / Will 2025-26 be a step-back year for the banged-up Panthers?

Will 2025-26 be a step-back year for the banged-up Panthers?

D
Daily Faceoff
Oct 1, 2025 8:00 PM

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The Florida Panthers are facing a challenging season in 2025-26, battling through a series of injuries that have put their depth to the test. Key players like Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad are among those sidelined, forcing the team to adapt quickly and rely on their younger talent. With the expectations high after their surprising run to the Finals the previous season, the pressure is mounting on head coach Paul Maurice to find a way to keep the team competitive.

In recent games, the Panthers have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency. Youngsters are being called up from the AHL, stepping into crucial roles that could define their careers. The likes of Spencer Knight are under the spotlight as they must provide solid performances to keep the team afloat during this tough stretch.

Moreover, the management is closely monitoring the situation, evaluating how to reinforce the roster should these injuries linger. The Panthers’ front office remains hopeful that the return of their star players will come soon, but until then, the team's resilience will be tested. Fans are eager to see how this season unfolds and how the team navigates through these adversities as the playoffs approach.