The summer for the Florida Panthers was headlined by a blockbuster move in a trade with the Calgary Flames.
All the talk was on bringing in Matthew Tkachuk and shipping out longtime Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar.
But a lesser-known deal was made in the offseason that has proven to pay massive dividends early.
Adding Depth
After being bought out by the team that drafted him, the Ottawa Senators, Colin White took his talents to South Florida, signing a one-year deal with the Florida Panthers.
Bill Zito described White as “…a competitive forward who approaches the game with consistent effort and skill,” further adding “We like what he adds to our lineup and look forward to having him in South Florida.”
And Colin White has been every bit of that and more since coming over to the Florida Panthers.
Taking a Look Back
White was originally drafted 21st overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
The 6-foot-1, 194-pound winger was a standout during his college hockey days.
The native of Boston, Massachusetts spent two years at Boston College, compiling 76 points in 72 games.
White also enjoyed a prolific career on the international stage, appearing in two World Juniors Tournaments, representing the USA, and winning a gold medal in 2017 after taking the bronze in 2016.
His seven goals in the 2017 tournament were the highest on his team and his eight total points placed him in the top 10 of tournament scoring.
White’s time in Ottawa had mixed results as he battled through injuries and split time between the big club and its affiliate, the Belleville Senators of the AHL.
In his final season with the Sens, White underwent shoulder surgery and missed five months of the season. He amassed three goals and 10 points in 24 games of that shortened season, and at season’s end, the Sens would place him on waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract.
The Third Line Fit
But a fresh start was to be had for Colin White. And he has certainly made the most of it.
White is off to the best offensive start to his NHL career with two goals and seven points through his first eight games as a Panther.
When asked about his quick start, White credited it to finally being healthy, stating “the past few years I’ve dealt with some injuries, and, you know, this year, coming in healthy and strong and confident was big for me” further adding “so far it’s been working out great. All the guys have been great here. It’s just been a lot of fun here”.
White has fit into this team seamlessly and found a home on the right side of the Panthers’ third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell.
That third line of the Panthers has been arguably the most consistent line for the team this year. They’ve found the scoresheet in six of the team’s eight games and are also playing superbly at the other end of the ice as well.
When asked what has made this line so successful out the gate White attributed that chemistry to the relationship the three has made with one another.
“We all get along really well and love playing with each other.”
And as for their style of play, White said “we’re moving out feet, good sticks out there and creating a lot of offense from that.”
The trio of White, Lundell and Luostarinen have registered a combined six goals and 16 points in eight games and are arguably the best third line in all of hockey right now.
It’s likely, due to the immense chemistry they boast, that coach Paul Maurice will keep this line together, even when Anthony Duclair returns from injury.
And if that’s the case, White might have to work on his Finnish a little more. When asked how the language learning was going, White answered with a laugh, “it’s a work in progress”.
The Game to Start It All
As we head into tonight’s game, it’ll mark a special one for Colin White.
For the first time in his young NHL career, he will be suiting up against a former team.
When asked about the upcoming matchup and whether this was a game he had circled on his calendar, White remarked “Definitely!”
Adding that “anytime this happens (playing a former team) you look forward to it. You know it will be a lot of fun. A lot of good friends on that team, but will definitely have a little more of a chip on my shoulder.”
With the Senators boasting plenty of high-end talent in their top six, the third line will be looked at to bring offence as well as shutting down the speed and skill this Sens team will bring tonight.
There is plenty of added motivation for Florida Panthers forward Colin White entering this game and we can expect to see one of his best performances, in an already highly impressive campaign, tonight against his former team.
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