Florida Panthers Eye Major Milestones in 2026-27 NHL Season

The Florida Panthers are gearing up for the 2026-27 NHL season with several players on the brink of achieving notable career milestones. Following a challenging previous season, the team is looking to bounce back and reclaim their status as contenders.

Why it matters: The performance of key players and their individual achievements could significantly impact the Panthers' success this season. With several athletes nearing milestones, fans will follow closely closely as the season progresses.

• Aleksander Barkov is four assists away from 500 and just 18 points shy of becoming the first Florida player to reach 800 career points.
• Brad Marchand, recovering from offseason surgery, is chasing his 500th career goal and is expected to miss the beginning of the season.
• Jacob Markström is closing in on 600 career games, needing just 22 more to reach the milestone.

Driving the news: After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Panthers faced a disappointing 2025-26 season, finishing with only 84 points. Injuries plagued the roster, with captain Aleksander Barkov missing the entire season and key players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Brad Marchand sidelined for extended periods. As they enter the new season, the Panthers are healthier but still have concerns, particularly in goal.

• Barkov's absence last season was a major factor in the team's struggles, and his return is expected to make a substantial difference.
• Experts are optimistic about the Panthers' chances, with many predicting they will win their division, though skepticism remains about their goaltending.
• Marchand will miss the early part of the season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team's offensive capabilities.

State of play: The Panthers have several players on the cusp of reaching personal milestones that could energize the team. Here’s a closer look at some notable players:

• Uvis Balinskis is just 44 games away from 200 and 14 points shy of 50, which would mark a promising achievement early in his career.
• Sam Bennett is set to skate in his 800th NHL game, needing only 23 more games to reach this milestone, along with being 12 goals away from 200.
• Aaron Ekblad is on pace to play in his 850th and 875th games this season and needs three more goals to hit 125 for his career.
• Lars Eller has the potential to reach his 1,200th game, 200th goal, 250th assist, and 450th point in this campaign.

The big picture: The Panthers are looking to revive their fortunes after last season’s struggles. The addition of Brady Tkachuk, who joins his brother Matthew, is seen as a boost to the team’s physical presence and scoring potential.

• Tkachuk is currently 28 games shy of 600 and needs 37 goals to reach 250, along with 37 points to hit 500.
• Matthew Tkachuk is also aiming for milestones, needing 37 games for 700 and 47 goals for 300.
• As a three-time Stanley Cup winner, Carter Verhaeghe is approaching his 500th game, 200th goal, and 200th assist.

What they're saying: Analysts and former players have expressed mixed views about the Panthers' prospects this season. On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk voiced skepticism about the team's potential.

• “I don’t think the Florida Panthers are gonna be as good as everyone thinks they’re going to be,” Yaremchuk said, pointing out their struggles last season and the uncertainty in goal.
• Carter Hutton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the pressure on the team and the importance of their goaltending situation.
• Health concerns remain a major topic, especially with Marchand missing time and the need for consistent performance from Markström and Bobrovsky.

By the numbers: The Panthers have a number of players closing in on major career milestones this season, which could shift the dynamics of their performance.

• Uvis Balinskis: 156 games played, 44 away from 200, 14 points from 50.
• Sam Bennett: 800th game within reach, 23 games needed, 12 goals shy of 200.
• Aaron Ekblad: 850th and 875th games on the horizon, needs 3 goals for 125, 16 assists for 300.
• Jacob Markström: 22 games away from 600, 36 wins from 300.

What's next: The Panthers will need to navigate through the early part of the season carefully, especially with key injuries and milestones on the horizon. As they open the season, the focus will be on how quickly players can return to form and contribute.

• Fans will eagerly await to see how Barkov’s return impacts the team’s performance and whether the Panthers can contend for a playoff spot.
• With the season kicking off, attention will turn to the goaltending duo of Markström and Bobrovsky and their ability to perform under pressure.
• The Panthers have an opportunity to solidify their position in the standings early on, but consistency will be key.