2014-15 record: 38-29-15 (91 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Willie Mitchell
After a couple of seasons where they finished at the bottom of the league, the Florida Panthers had a respectable showing last season, staying in playoff contention for much of the season. Now, with the youth a year wiser and veterans that are still with the team providing a winning mentality, the Panthers will be looking to make the playoffs for just the second time since the turn of the century.
The Panthers were still dreadful offensively, as just two players cracked the 20-goal barrier, and one that just missed the mark (Jimmy Hayes' 19) was traded in the off-season. However, those numbers were somewhat deceptive, as the offense had a bit of a spike thanks to trade deadline acquistion Jaromir Jagr, who showed that he has some life left in his 43-year old body. His presence also helped Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, and both will likely be having him as a linemate again, as Jagr re-signed with the team after the season ended. Nick Bjugstad and Brandon Pirri (the two 20-plus goal scorers) will have Reilly Smith, who came over in the Hayes deal, as a linemate. The bottom two lines are a nice balance of skill and toughness. Defensively is where the Panthers make their hay, as the blue line is fairly well stocked as far as depth is concerned, and that begins with Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad. While he showed why he as taken first overall last year, he did benefit from the presence veterans Wille Mitchell and Brian Campbell, who both also helped Dmirty Kulikov rediscover his game. In goal, it begins and ends with Roberto Luongo, who picked up where he left off from the last stint he had in Florida. He stole games for lesser talented Panthers teams of the past, and now, with an improved team in front of him, he won't have to steal as many games, though he is still capable of doing so if the youth don't progress as planned.
Prediction: 6th in the Atlantic Division
In a division where just about any team save for Toronto could be playoff contenders if the cards fall right, the Panthers can boast the most balanced team. However, for them to take the next step forward, the youth has to step up and be better than what they were or else another year of playoff-free hockey awaits.
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