Panthers’ Journey to a Stanley Cup: An Intriguing Dynamic Among Teammates
Author: Greg Wyshynski | Date: May 24, 2025 | Location: Raleigh, N.C.
As he surveys the Florida Panthers’ locker room, Nate Schmidt notices a significant absence in his collection: a Stanley Cup ring. While many of his teammates celebrated their championship victories last season—marking the Panthers’ first Cup triumph—players like Brad Marchand and Nico Sturm bring their own championship experiences to the team. For Schmidt, having yet to claim one surfaces a sense of urgency; he aims not to be the lone player without a ring disrupting the momentum created by those who have won.
"It’s something I’ve wrestled with this year," remarked Schmidt, a seasoned defenseman who joined Florida on a one-year deal. "You want to contribute to an already successful team."
Currently, Schmidt stands among seven Panthers on the playoff roster yet to capture a Stanley Cup. This group includes forwards A.J. Greer, Jesper Boqvist, and Tomas Nosek, as well as backup goalie Vitek Vanecek and defensemen Seth Jones and Jaycob Megna.
Jones, now in his 12th NHL season, reflects on his journey. Drafted fourth overall in 2013 by the Nashville Predators, he previously tasted playoff action in merely 37 games across his stints with Nashville and Columbus, missing significant postseason opportunities while with a rebuilding Chicago team.
"A lot of it had to do with the organization’s timeline. Nothing negative about them; they are building from the ground up. I’m grateful for this chance," said Jones, who was traded to Florida for a first-round pick and goalie Spencer Knight on March 1. He sought an opportunity to make a difference on a competitive team—a desire being fulfilled.
Coaching Perspectives
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice highlighted Jones’ seamless integration into the Florida culture, emphasizing the lack of spotlight pressure compared to prior teams. "Seth enters our locker room without the expectation of being a focal point," Maurice explained, referencing a past comparison with Marchand’s dual role as both a player and a leader.
"Players like Brad take some pressure off the quieter guys. Seth now benefits from a collective support system," Maurice added.
Despite his lack of championship experience, Jones noted the unique camaraderie within the team, emphasizing that the shared motivation to succeed alleviates pressure.
"The atmosphere here is special; you feel the drive to win," he stated.
A Unified Family Environment
The Panthers boast a collaborative spirit that transcends individual accolades. Veteran players, including Marchand and captain Aleksander Barkov, contribute to a family-like environment where every member is valued.
Jones articulated, "Regardless of status, everyone is treated the same. Each player contributes to the goal of victory."
This philosophy has energized the squad as they advance through the Eastern Conference finals, currently holding a 2-0 lead against the Carolina Hurricanes. The ringless Panthers draw inspiration from their championship-winning teammates rather than feeling anxiety about their own lack of titles.
Schmidt noted, "Seeing those who possess rings helped calm my nerves, as they understand the level of effort required. We need to stay focused on our journey."
Greer, possessing experience from five teams throughout his 248-game NHL career, emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration within the group. "Hesitation leads to mistakes; trusting each other is crucial," he remarked.
A Shared Hunger for Success
Several players have come agonizingly close to the Cup before—Schmidt and Nosek were part of the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural run to the finals in 2018 but fell short against the Washington Capitals. Others like Vanecek and Jones have risen from teams with fewer playoff successes, fueling their hunger for a meaningful campaign.
Maurice empathizes with their ambitions. Having faced a long journey to the playoffs himself, he understands the ticking clock each player feels as they strive for success.
"We know what it feels like to struggle. For many, it’s about setting a precedent and playing for one another," he commented.
As the Panthers push toward their goal once more, Schmidt, Jones, and their teammates are determined to secure their place in history. Nosek summarized this aspiration succinctly: "I want that ring too; that’s one major reason I joined the Panthers."
This rephrasing offers a fresh take on the original content while maintaining the core themes, emphasizing the camaraderie and aspirations of the Florida Panthers in their pursuit of another Stanley Cup.