The Florida Panthers have secured forward Mackie Samoskevich with a one-year contract worth $775,000, the league minimum. Samoskevich, 22, had a promising first full NHL season in 2024-25, recording 31 points with 15 goals and 16 assists in 72 games. Remarkably, five of his goals were game-winners, showcasing his clutch performance alongside Carter Verhaeghe, who co-led the team in this regard. Additionally, Samoskevich contributed an assist in four playoff games as the Panthers successfully defended their Stanley Cup championship.

Bill Zito, the Panthers' president of hockey operations, praised Samoskevich for his skill and maturity, emphasizing his versatility in the lineup during the previous season. The Panthers drafted him 24th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft from the University of Michigan, identifying his potential as a key player in the franchise's future.