After winning the Stanley Cup in 2023 and 2024, the Florida Panthers were starting to look like the next great NHL dynasty. Coached by Paul Maurice, who has the third most wins in NHL history and most in Winnipeg Jets history, the Panthers became a gritty group who were elite defensively could consistently find ways to score.

Heading into the 2025 season, they were expected to once again be one of the top contenders in the league.

However, they are expected to be without three key contributors for an extended period of time.

Star left winger Matthew Tkachuk is likely out until at least December, while he recovers from a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia injury he suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

Aleksander Barkov, another key offensive piece, is expected to miss the entire season with a torn ACL and MCL.

Dmitry Kulikov, a solid bottom-pairing defenseman was recently place on injured reserve with an upper-body injury that could require surgery, which would keep him out at least a couple months.

However, the Panthers haven't shown any signs of regression. They're off to a blazing 3-0 start, and will look to continue their strong play in tonight's game against he Philadelphia Flyers.

Do you think the Panthers will return to the Stanley Cup this year?