3 disappointing Florida Panthers players who are bounce-back candidates for next season feat. Aaron Ekblad

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 03, 2024 04:24 GMT

After winning the Stanley Cup last season, the Florida Panthers enter this upcoming campaign looking to defend their title. As such, it’s hard to imagine that the club had any player on the roster who disappointed during their triumph last season. Nevertheless, some players stand out as not having the best year of their careers last season.

But the great news is that these players are part of a championship team with a winning culture. So, there’s reason to believe they can have strong bounce-back years.

So, here is a look at three Florida Panthers players poised to have a bounce-back 2024-25 campaign.

3 disappointing Florida Panthers players who are bounce-back candidates for 2024-25

#3: Jesper Boqvist

Boqvist spent last season with the Boston Bruins. In total, he played 47 games, scoring six goals and notching 14 points. Boqvist was predominantly a bottom-six player with limited ice time.

Before last season, Boqvist had two successful seasons with the New Jersey Devils, registering 10 goals and over 20 points each season.

This upcoming season, Boqvist should get a bump from joining a team with a winning culture like the Florida Panthers. While Boqvist projects to be on the Panthers’ checking line, he should get every opportunity to be successful.

Ultimately, Boqvist is primed for a good year, perhaps inching closer to the 20-goal plateau. With Paul Maurice as his coach, it’s safe to assume Boqvist has an opportunity to beat his personal bests.

#2: Evan Rodrigues

Rodrigues played very well in the postseason for the Florida Panthers. He particularly caught on during the Eastern Conference Final and the Stanley Cup Final. That high should help him ride a successful regular season this upcoming year, especially after a so-so regular season in 2023-24.

While Rodrigues equaled his point total from 2022-23, his 39 points came in 69 games, not the 80 in which he played this past season.

This upcoming season, Rodrigues should have a chance to beat his personal best of 19 goals and 43 points set in 2021-22. Playing a full season with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk should give Rodrigues a chance to cement himself as a true top-six NHL forward.

#1: Aaron Ekblad

It’s hard to imagine that Ekblad is still only 28 years old. Yet, the seasoned veteran has played in nearly 700 regular-season contests while appearing in 64 postseason games.

However, last season was challenging for the Florida Panthers' top-pairing blueliner. He dealt with numerous injuries which limited him to 51 games. During that span, he registered 18 points.

During the playoffs, however, Ekblad seemed to find himself again, playing a critical role alongside revelation Gustav Forsling.

Ekblad will hopefully play a full slate of games next season. If that’s the case, Ekblad could reach his usual 30 to 40-point season, while delivering reliable defense.