Aaron Ekblad and Carter Verhaeghe kicked off their Friday in the gym before heading to ABC’s Good Morning America from the Florida Panthers’ training facility. During the segment, reporter Victor Oquendo teased the question on everyone’s mind: “How we feeling about a three-peat?” Verhaeghe grinned and replied, “Don’t jinx it… No, that’s the play,” setting the tone for the team’s ambitious mindset heading into the new NHL season.
Panthers Build on Championship Legacy with Core Locked for Long Term Success
Florida’s recent track record speaks for itself three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, with championships in 2024 and 2025 after falling short to Vegas in 2023. Talk of superstition doesn’t faze the team.
Ekblad admitted they had planned championship parades during the last two Finals, proving that discussing the Cup doesn’t affect their performance. His focus remains steady: prepare for the long grind of an NHL season with the expectation of competing for another title.
Aaron Ekblad (NHL)General manager Bill Zito’s off-ice work has set the stage for continued success. Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand signed multi-year contracts this summer, bringing the number of Panthers locked in through 2029–30 to 10.
This roster stability strengthens the case for Florida being in a dynasty phase, and for Ekblad, it’s personal he’s been with the franchise since being drafted first overall in 2014 and sees the window for winning as wide open for several more years.
From Party Mode to Playoff Mindset Panthers Embrace Short Offseason Advantage
The Panthers partied hard after their second straight Cup win, but the celebrations didn’t linger. Ekblad said the summer was more about weddings and disconnecting from hockey than basking in victory. While proud of what they accomplished, the team’s mentality has shifted entirely to “the next one.” Informal skates in Fort Lauderdale featuring NHL talent from across the league are already keeping players sharp as the season approaches.
While some teams might lament a quick turnaround, Florida sees it as an advantage. Ekblad, whose final game was June 17, was back to training within weeks, claiming he could start the season immediately. He believes shorter breaks prevent burnout and keep players in prime shape for another long playoff push. For a team eyeing an elusive three-peat, that constant readiness could be the key to making NHL history.
