Panthers rookie Mackie Samoskevich loaned to AHL's Charlotte Checkers

Florida recalled forward William Lockwood from AHL Charlotte

On Tuesday the Panthers loaned rookie Mackie Samoskevich to the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

Florida recalled forward William Lockwood from Charlotte in a corresponding move.

Samoskevich has been in the spotlight since the start of Panthers training camp following a strong showing at Florida's development camp and summer rookie showcase.

The 21-year-old played in the Panthers first two games of the season, Thursday in Minnesota and Saturday in Winnipeg.

Samoskevich failed to crack the score sheet in either contest, putting a pair of shots on goal in each while playing an average of 14:43.

Looking at the advanced metrics, Samoskevich struggled a bit more defensively against the speedier Winnipeg team than he did on Opening Night against the Wild.

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice has said he wouldn't keep the rookie with the NHL team unless there would be an opportunity for him to play and get proper minutes and opportunities for a player of his skillset.

He brought up Samoskevich on Monday when speaking about fellow rookie Justin Sourdif making his NHL debut that night in New Jersey.

"I'm fine with Mackie's game," Maurice said. "He's going to learn by watching and by playing."

However long Samoskevich remains in Charlotte, he's going to get plenty of playing while there.

Expect Checkers Head Coach Geordie Kinnear to put Samoskevich somewhere in Charlotte's top six and with a prime role on special teams.

The Checkers opened the AHL season last weekend, splitting a pair of home games against the Wiles-Barre/Scranton Penguins. This weekend they travel north of the border for two contests with the Toronto Marlies on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Lockwood has gotten off to a great start with Charlotte, picking up two goals and three points during their opening weekend matchup with the WBS.

The 26-year-old has previously played 28 games in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks, who drafted him in the third-round, 64th overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.

He signed a two-year, two-way contract with Florida back on July 2. 

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