Analyzing the Florida Panthers’ Top 5 Prospects Heading into the 2025-26 Season

0 Sara Smith September 15, 2025

The Florida Panthers have been a dominant force in the NHL, but sustained success isn’t just about the stars on the ice today; it’s about the talent pipeline that’s ready to reload. While the big club chases championships, GM Bill Zito and his scouting staff have been quietly assembling a formidable group of prospects.

As we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, it’s clear the Panthers’ future is incredibly bright. The question on everyone’s mind is, who’s next to make the leap? We’ve got the inside scoop on the top 5 players you need to know.

Unveiling the Next Wave of Panthers Talent

Right at the top of the list is a player who embodies the modern NHL defenseman: Matvei Shuravin. Standing at a towering 6-foot-4, this 2024 draft pick isn’t just a big body; he’s a mobile skater who dominated Russia’s junior league. Zito himself said Shuravin “doesn’t have a weakness in his game,” and that kind of praise from a savvy GM like Zito is rare. While we won’t see him in North America for a couple of years, the hype is real. He has the potential to be a top-pairing anchor for years to come.

Then there’s the feel-good story of Jack Devine. A seventh-round pick in 2022, Devine exploded in his senior year at the University of Denver, leading the entire NCAA in scoring. He’s already shown flashes of his high-end hockey IQ in the AHL. While he’ll need some seasoning in Charlotte, don’t be surprised if this late-round gem forces his way into the Panthers’ lineup sooner rather than later. His playmaking ability is exactly what you need for a deep playoff run.

Size, Skill, and Undrafted Steals

Speaking of the AHL, the Panthers may have found a hidden giant in Mikulas Hovorka. Signed as an undrafted free agent, the 6-foot-6 Czech defenseman is an intimidating presence. It took him time to adjust to the North American game, but his strong playoff performance with Charlotte proved he’s learning fast. He provides a physical dimension that is always in demand, making him a prime candidate for a call-up this season.

Alongside him, Mike Benning, an offensive defenseman from the same Denver pipeline as Devine, has been lighting up the AHL. His knack for timely goals, including an overtime winner in the Calder Cup Final, shows he has the clutch gene. He’s another player knocking on the door of the NHL.

Rounding out the list is Linus Eriksson, a swift-skating forward who brings a responsible, two-way game. As the Panthers’ first pick in the 2024 draft, he carries high expectations and will be a key player for Sweden at the World Juniors.