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Oct 11, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) celebrates a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Panthers Can Benefit From Missing the Playoffs This Season

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Joey Ganzi | Last updated Apr 8, 2026 1:15 PM ET

For the first time in two seasons, the NHL will have a new Stanley Cup Champion. The Florida Panthers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins, 9-4, on Saturday. This breaks the Panthers’ five-season playoff streak (including three trips to the Final) and is the third time in NHL history a team has failed to qualify for the postseason after winning two consecutive titles – they join the 1969-70 Montreal Canadiens and the 1937-38 Detroit Red Wings.

With 77 points and a 37-37-3 record, being bounced from the postseason may be a blessing in disguise. The team faced adversity before the season started, and some time off should help the team going forward.

Panthers’ Injured Players Finally Get a Summer Off

The Panthers’ infirmary has been full all campaign, and a summer off will be just what the doctor ordered. Aleksander Barkov did not play this season due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered during practice in September. Matthew Tkachuk didn’t see any action until Jan. 19 due to a torn adductor suffered during last year’s Cup Final. Brad Marchand was shut down for the season in March due to a lower-body injury.

Evan Rodrigues’ season ended due to a broken finger. Niko Mikkola’s season is over due to a knee-on-knee hit suffered against the Calgary Flames on March 21. Dmitry Kulikov broke his finger against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night and will miss the final games of the season. Aaron Ekblad also suffered a broken finger/hand on March 31 and is out for the rest of the campaign.

Having the summer off to recover should help the team get healthy for next season.

Panthers Will Likely Keep Their First-Round Pick

When Florida traded goaltender Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks for Seth Jones on March 1, they also sent a first-round selection, but that pick is top-ten protected. The team ranks 27th in the NHL standings. According to Tankathon.com, they have 7.5% chance of getting the first overall selection in the draft lottery.

If they win the lottery, general manager Bill Zito would be playing with house money. He could use that pick to nab a top-ten prospect to stabilize their future between the pipes, or they could trade it to land a huge piece to bolster the lineup while their Cup window is still open.

Panthers’ Core Pieces Are Locked Up

Zito is coming off a hugely successful offseason in 2025, when he managed to sign Sam Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad to contract extensions, keeping the core intact for years to come.

This also includes players who have already been extended long-term, such as Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Gustav Forsling. The Panthers can go into next season knowing their roster is intact.

Panthers’ Goal Remains the Same: Win the Stanley Cup

Although they will not three-peat, the Panthers can still establish themselves as a dynasty next season. With all their success over the last three seasons, a healthier team in 2026-27 will be that much more lethal. The team’s grit, determination, talent, and leadership group will give their engine the horsepower it needs to succeed, but first, a little rest will do them good.