Latest news with #Panthers'Cup
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Panthers star may miss start of 2025–26 NHL season after gritty Stanley Cup run
Matthew Tkachuk's injury puts Panthers' 2025–26 NHL season start in doubt (Image via: Getty Images) Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has become a symbol of toughness in the NHL. Known for his relentless edge and fearless playstyle, the 27-year-old forward carried injuries through much of the 2024-25 campaign and still helped Florida clinch a second straight Stanley Cup. But as offseason reality sets in, it appears a long layoff may finally be on the horizon. Tkachuk's injury may require surgery, recovery could last until Christmas According to NHL Rumour Report, Tkachuk may require corrective surgery to address a lower-body injury suffered during February's 4 Nations Face-Off. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos noted the potential timeline could keep Tkachuk out of action until at least the 2025 holiday season. While no final decision has been made, Tkachuk himself hinted at the uncertainty following the Panthers' Cup victory: 'It's probably 50-50 right now. ' The injury originally occurred during a physical USA vs. Canada clash in Montreal, where Tkachuk was involved in a first-minute brawl that made headlines. He missed the rest of the international tournament, and although he rejoined the Panthers in time for the playoffs, the pain reportedly persisted throughout their Cup run. Despite lingering pain, Tkachuk was vital to Panthers' repeat Tkachuk's stats speak volumes about his resilience. In just 52 regular-season games, he posted 57 points (22 goals, 35 assists), and added 23 points in 23 playoff appearances. Coach Paul Maurice praised his star winger ahead of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, saying, 'I think the last three games he's played have been the best of the playoffs by far.' Even while battling injury, Tkachuk scored a goal in Game 6 of the Finals—a 5-1 win that sealed Florida's back-to-back championships. That kind of performance on a weakened body only added to his growing legend in Miami. Also Read: Sidney Crosby likely to leave Penguins if Evgeni Malkin isn't re-signed What this means for the Panthers' 2025-26 outlook If Tkachuk undergoes surgery and misses the first half of the season, Florida will have a massive hole in its forward group. However, the Panthers have dealt with adversity before and with Tkachuk expected to return before the playoff push, there's still optimism for a three-peat. His health will remain a major storyline as the 2025-26 NHL season approaches. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Awards Controversy: Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito denied NHL GM of the year award despite Stanley Cup success
Bill Zito denied GM of the Year despite Panthers' Cup wins (Image via: Getty Images) Despite leading the Florida Panthers to three straight Stanley Cup Finals and winning two, general manager Bill Zito was once again denied the NHL 's Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award. The decision to give the honor to Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill has sparked debate across the hockey world and left many fans questioning the league's priorities. Why Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito was ignored for NHL GM of the Year despite back-to-back Stanley Cups When Bill Zito was named general manager of the Florida Panthers in 2020, he inherited a team that had missed the playoffs in 7 of the last 10 seasons. Fast forward five years, and the Panthers are a full-blown dynasty—appearing in three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and winning two championships under his leadership. Zito didn't just patch holes. He made franchise-altering moves: trading for Matthew Tkachuk, investing in depth pieces, and hiring the right coaching staff. The Panthers' rise has been nothing short of elite front office execution. And yet, the NHL's Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award—meant to honor the top-performing executive—went to Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill for the third year in a row. Nill's Stars did reach the Western Conference Final and posted a strong regular-season record (50-26-6), but fans were quick to point out that Zito's playoff dominance carried more weight. 'Zito was completely robbed,' one fan wrote under Frank Seravalli's post. Is playoff success being undervalued in NHL honors? While regular-season consistency is important, building a Stanley Cup-winning roster is the true measure of a general manager's impact. Zito's ability to take a struggling franchise and turn it into the NHL's most dominant postseason team in recent years should have been enough. Instead, his back-to-back Stanley Cup victories still weren't enough to secure the Jim Gregory GM of the Year Award, highlighting a growing disconnect between postseason success and how the NHL rewards front-office leadership. Also Read: NHL trade news: Evander Kane heads to Vancouver Canucks after controversial season with Oilers But for Panthers fans and the hockey world watching closely, Zito's impact is already etched in championship history Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand turns Pizza delivery hero after Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win
Brad Marchand delivers pizza to fans at Elbo Room after Panthers' Stanley Cup win (Image via: Getty Images) Fresh off the Florida Panthers' historic Stanley Cup victory, Brad Marchand added a personal touch to the celebration by hand-delivering pizza to fans at a popular beachfront bar. The veteran forward brought a wave of cheers to the Elbo Room in Fort Lauderdale, turning a championship night into a community moment fans won't soon forget. Brad Marchand delivers Pizza during Panthers' Cup celebration at Elbo room Just hours after the Florida Panthers secured their 2025 Stanley Cup win, veteran forward Brad Marchand made his way to the Elbo Room—a well-known beachfront bar in Fort Lauderdale—carrying boxes of pizza for fans still celebrating the historic moment. Marchand was seen in casual gear—a t-shirt and baseball cap—as he delivered the pizza to a crowd of cheering fans. The scene, captured by a supporter and shared on social media, showed Marchand smiling and interacting with the crowd, adding to the excitement of an already unforgettable night. This postgame pizza delivery wasn't entirely unexpected. The Panthers have made it a tradition to celebrate their championship wins at the Elbo Room, following their home-ice victories. The bar has become a go-to spot for both fans and players after the final buzzer, turning into an extension of the team's locker room energy. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final concluded Tuesday night, with celebrations continuing into the early hours of Wednesday. Marchand's appearance at the Elbo Room quickly stood out, not only for its fan-friendly gesture but also for its possible significance. Marchand, who joined the Panthers for this playoff run, is set to become a free agent this summer. The team is facing salary cap limitations, which could impact the ability to re-sign players like Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad. While nothing has been confirmed, Marchand's act of appreciation may also mark his final moments as a Panther. The gesture resonated with fans and reflected the team's close connection to the South Florida community. Also Read: Sam Bennett declares 'Ain't f****** leaving' after Stanley Cup win, hints at staying with Panthers despite no official deal From hoisting the Stanley Cup to handing out pizza, Brad Marchand delivered more than just goals, he helped deliver joy to Panthers fans on a night they'll never forget. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Brad Marchand's Instagram stories turn Panthers' Stanley Cup party into NHL shoutout fest
Brad Marchand's Instagram thank-you post steals Cup celebration spotlight (Image via: Getty Images) Brad Marchand turned the Panthers' Cup celebration into the NHL 's hottest conversation. As the Florida Panthers soaked in their Stanley Cup victory with a night out in Miami, Marchand quietly lit up Instagram not with party scenes, but with a string of thank-yous to NHL teams that let his teammates go. Subtle yet bold, perfectly timed and personal, his message landed without needing a mic drop. Here's how Brad Marchand thanked NHL team with one story at a time After clinching their second straight Stanley Cup with a commanding 5–1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6, the Florida Panthers wasted no time jumping into celebration mode. But while the team hit the Miami nightlife in full force, Brad Marchand chose a different way to mark the moment, one that instantly grabbed attention across the NHL. During a team dinner at Maple & Ash in Downtown Miami, Marchand opened up Instagram and started posting stories that weren't about champagne or confetti. Instead, he shared snapshots of his Panthers teammates, each paired with a simple yet pointed message: a thank-you to the NHL teams that let those players go. He started with the New Jersey Devils — and for good reason. Five former Devils, including Dmitry Kulikov, Jesper Boqvist, Tomas Nosek, A.J. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Greer, and goaltender Vitek Vanecek, had just lifted the Cup as Panthers. For some, like Kulikov, it was back-to-back titles. For others, it was their first. Marchand made sure none of it went unnoticed. But the thank-yous didn't stop with New Jersey. He kept going — tagging teams that once rostered now-celebrated Panthers players. Even Florida's GM Bill Zito and head coach Paul Maurice got a grateful nod in his story spree. The Panthers' success wasn't just built, it was handed over, piece by piece, by teams that failed to hold on. In a fitting twist, Panthers stars Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Evan Rodrigues joined in the fun by posting their own message: a thank-you to the Boston Bruins — Marchand's longtime team — for letting him go. As the Stanley Cup parade looms this Sunday on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Marchand's Instagram moment has become part of the broader Panthers story, a team shaped by second chances, underestimated talent, and the unlikeliest of combinations. Also Read: Florida Panthers fans break Guinness World Record for loudest roar amid NHL goal horn controversy And while most championship parties fade by sunrise, Marchand's viral 'thank-you tour' just gave this one lasting power and a personal edge no one saw coming. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers Trade Spencer Knight To Blackhawks For Seth Jones: Winners and Losers
The Panthers took another big swing, this time trading for Seth Jones and sending backup Spencer Knight and a first-round pick to the Blackhawks, who retained a portion of Jones' $9.5-millino cap hit. This trade follows a string of ugly games for the Blackhawks and a public outburst by Jones who criticized his own team for not having improved since the first game of the season, and requested to be moved to a more competitive team. Bill Zito, who has crafted a reputation for making big, bold moves, quickly took advantage of the situation and addressed a thin blue line in preparation for the Panthers' Cup defense. Seth Jones. © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Winners: Seth Jones, D, Panthers (68% rostered) Jones is the big winner in the trade, going from a lottery team to a Cup contender. His role is unlikely to diminish significantly; though Aaron Ekblad remains on PP1, by virtue of being on a better team and playing with better players, Jones gets a fantasy boost. There's definitely a chance that Jones takes over PP1 from Ekblad, too. Jones has never been a big point producer and that will not change. Regardless of what you think of his on-ice play in recent seasons - I think it's ranged from very poor to above average, and mostly mediocre - there's no denying Jones' fantasy value and the Panthers' defensive depth improve following the trade. Chris Driedger, G, Panthers (0% rostered) Driedger has not had a good season in the AHL with a .878 SP, just one season removed after backstopped Coachella Valley - the Kraken's AHL affiliate - to the Calder Cup final. He has yet to appear in an NHL game this season but he will eventually have to when the Panthers give Sergei Bobrovsky - who may start even more games down the stretch - a break. I'm not convinced the Panthers will stick with Driedger as their backup, but trading Knight has opened the opportunity for him. In certain matchups, Driedger should be an option worth considering as a streamer, but it's better to see what sort of performances he can deliver before committing. The Panthers are a better team after the trade, which provides some optimism. Alex Vlasic, D, Blackhawks (5% rostered) There were times I felt Vlasic was a better option on the Hawks PP than Jones. Rostered primarily for blocks in fantasy, consistent PP1 minutes for Vlasic now gives him a permanent fantasy boost for the rest of the season; 11 of his 23 points this season were scored on the power play. The Hawks are a low-upside offensive team even with Connor Bedard, so temper your expectations; but, in deeper leagues where defense is thin, Vlasic is a very good speculative pickup. Spencer Knight. © Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Spencer Knight, G, Blackhawks (16% rostered) Knight was dropped immediately following the trade in some of my leagues, but there's an argument to be made his fantasy value has increased. It certainly has in the long term as the Hawks' potential future No. 1 - Petr Mrazek has one more year remaining on his contract - and in the short term, he potentially gets more starts. He'll have to battle Mrazek and Arvid Soderblom for playing time, but don't rule out the Hawks trading either or both goalies. Knowing Knight is their future No. 1, it's in their best interests to give Knight his reps. The quality of Knight's starts will be worse, though, because the Hawks are not a good team. Only in leagues that value quantity over quality, Knight's fantasy value gets a slight boost. Losers: Aaron Ekblad, D, Panthers (64% rostered) Not that Ekblad has ever been particularly good in fantasy asides from his 57-point season, but two things are worth noting: one, he's never been a particularly good PP QB; two, he has yet to sign an extension. It would be weird to see Ekblad in another jersey this summer, but the trade for Jones tells me there's a chance he takes over PP1 and their right-side defense beyond this season. Whatever offense Ekblad potentially brings to the table in fantasy has become a bit more muted. Take a wait-and-see approach, but I have a feeling Ekblad will remain useful only in fantasy for blocks going forward. Petr Mrazek, G, Blackhawks (10% rostered)Arvid Soderblom, G, Blackhawks (4% rostered) It's possible the Hawks carry three goalies for the rest of the season, but it's not ideal. Mrazek likely has the most to lose because he'll be ceding starts to Knight, while Soderblom's fantasy value has been very minimal the entire season. Mrazek has been worthwhile as the occasional streaming option, but those opportunities are going to come even further and fewer apart. As troublesome as Jones' play has been - at times - for the Hawks, he's one of the few defensemen they have who's capable of playing 20 solid minutes per game. His void will be filled internally, and likely by someone less experienced and less talented. That does not bode well for their ability to suppress shots.
