Sunrise, Florida — The Florida Panthers have been celebrating their Stanley Cup championship with a series of lively events, including an all-night party at a popular beach bar, energetic activities at a Miami nightclub, and unexpected appearances at local spots such as Dairy Queen. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad expressed their intention to keep the festivities going, stating, “We’re not toning it down. We just won two Stanley Cups in a row. We deserve to have a good time.”
Reflecting on the difference between this year’s celebrations and last year’s, coach Paul Maurice highlighted the team’s sense of accomplishment and the challenges they overcame throughout the season. He described last year’s win as a dream, while this year felt more like an achievement.
While the players have been enjoying the celebrations, Maurice mentioned that the coaching staff has taken a more subdued approach compared to last year. The team has been attending dinners and boat rides together, with Maurice joking about not experiencing a hangover this time around.
Despite their exuberance, the Panthers did face a mishap with the Stanley Cup getting cracked during the revelry after their Game 6 victory. Captain Aleksander Barkov acknowledged the incident but noted that the team has not faced any major consequences for the damage.
As the Panthers prepare for their championship parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach, they are also gearing up for the offseason, with free agency on the horizon. While some key players are already under long-term contracts, others like Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Sam Bennett are set to enter free agency. The players have expressed their desire to remain with the team, with Bennett leading the way with his commitment to staying in Florida.
N has engaged in discussions with the Panthers regarding a potential agreement, but nothing substantial has transpired yet. “I’ve dedicated 11 years to this place,” Ekblad expressed. “It’s like a second home to me, and I plan on keeping it that way.” Tkachuk, who is set to enter his fourth season with the Panthers, is optimistic about the team’s championship prospects and aims to maintain continuity with the current roster. “Each year brings changes to the squad,” he noted, “but I hope we can retain our core group of players and keep progressing. Some of our fantastic teammates are due for new contracts, and I sincerely hope they receive the compensation they deserve. It’s time for them to be rewarded. Hopefully, it all works out here.” ___AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl
