Florida Panthers Sign Top Prospect To Contract


The Florida Panthers are busy on a Cinderella playoff run at the moment, but that hasn't stopped them from addressing the future this spring, as they've signed their top prospect, "a creative, dynamic playmaker" — their first-round pick in 2021 — to a three-year entry-level contract. 

Mackie Samoskevich was selected with the 24th overall pick in 2021, and the Panthers are thrilled to have him in the fold. 

"Mackie is a creative, dynamic playmaker who possesses an elite shooting ability and high hockey IQ. We’re excited to sign him to our organization and to see him take the next step in his progression as a professional," said Panthers GM Bill Zito. 

The 20-year-old forward registered 20 goals and 43 points in 39 NCAA games with the University of Michigan this past season. 

His deal comes with a $925,000 cap hit, and runs through the 2024-25 season. 

Samoskevich is actually eligible to play for the Panthers in these playoffs, if they so choose, as he was on their reserve list at the trade deadline. 

Florida leads the Toronto Maple Leafs 3 games to none in their second-round series. 

Photo: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK