The Florida Panthers have officially locked in young forward Mackie Samoskevich, announcing Thursday the signing of a one-year contract extension. The deal ensures Samoskevich remains with the organization that drafted him as they look to build on their recent, historic success.
Samoskevich, a restricted free agent prior to this signing, just completed his first full season in the National Hockey League during the 2024-25 campaign. Over 72 games, the 22-year-old registered a respectable 31 points, tallying 15 goals and contributing 16 assists. These numbers represent a significant step forward after a brief seven-game debut in the 2023-24 season where he did not record any points.
Adding to his experience, Samoskevich also featured in four playoff contests as the Panthers marched towards capturing the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year. While his box score contribution was limited to a single assist in those playoff appearances, being part of a deep Cup run provides invaluable experience for a developing player.
Panthers President and General Manager Bill Zito expressed confidence in Samoskevich`s trajectory. “Mackie is a talented young forward who demonstrated skill and maturity well above his age in his first full NHL season,” Zito stated in the team`s release. He further praised the forward`s adaptability: “He showcased his ability to slot into any hole in our lineup and find success this past season, which is a testament to both his play and character.” Zito concluded by noting the team`s anticipation for Samoskevich`s continued contribution, saying, “We look forward to seeing him compete in our organization for years to come.”
Drafted 24th overall in the first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Samoskevich hails from Newtown, Connecticut. He honed his skills for two seasons at the University of Michigan before turning professional within the Panthers system. This one-year contract, often referred to as a “bridge deal” for players coming off entry-level contracts, provides both the player an opportunity to further establish himself and earn a larger contract next summer, while offering the club flexibility and another year to evaluate his progress at the NHL level.
With the ink now dry on his new deal, Samoskevich is set to continue his development path with the reigning champions, aiming to solidify his role and contribute even more significantly in the seasons ahead.
