The Florida Panthers just joined an elite club in NHL history, becoming only the 17th team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. That’s pretty rare company – only five teams have pulled it off since 1990.
So how did they build this powerhouse? It’s a fascinating mix of smart drafting, bold moves, and finding hidden gems.
Let’s start with their draft picks. Unlike many championship teams, the Panthers only have three homegrown stars playing big minutes – Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, and Anton Lundell. But boy, did they make those picks count.
Barkov’s become one of the NHL’s best two-way centers. He can score with the best of them while playing lockdown defense – exactly what you want in a franchise cornerstone.
But what really sets this team apart is their identity. They’re mean. They’re nasty. And they’re probably the last team anyone wants to face in a seven-game series.
That’s no accident. The Panthers went out and got guys like Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, and Brad Marchand – players who aren’t just talented, but can get under opponents’ skin.
The team’s management deserves huge credit for their "all-in" approach. Remember when they shocked everyone by trading Jonathan Huberdeau for Tkachuk? That was after winning the Presidents’ Trophy. Most teams would’ve stayed pat. Not Florida.
They doubled down this year, adding Seth Jones and Marchand at the trade deadline. Talk about loading up.
But here’s where it gets really interesting – some of their best players weren’t exactly superstars when they arrived.
Sam Reinhart? He was considered a bit of a disappointment in Buffalo.
Gustav Forsling? They got him off waivers. Now he’s a top defenseman.
Carter Verhaeghe? He was basically a spare part in Tampa Bay. Now he’s lighting it up on Florida’s top line.
The Panthers have built something special here. They’re not just winning – they’re changing how teams think about building a champion in today’s NHL.
And the scariest part for the rest of the league? They don’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon.
