The former University of Michigan standout is entering his first full professional season
One of the Florida Panthers top young prospects is going to have a lot of eyes on him during training camp.
Mackie Samoskevich was selected 24th overall by the Panthers at the 2021 NHL Draft.
Florida hasn't made a first-round pick since, and they won't make another one, barring a trade, until 2026.
(For those wondering, the Cats’ 2024 first-round selection went to Philadelphia in the Claude Giroux 2022 deadline deal and their 2025 top pick went to Calgary in last summer’s blockbuster that brought Matthew Tkachuk to Sunrise)
That means Panthers General Manager Bill Zito and his staff will have their work cut out for them in recognizing young talent that others may have overlooked.
As for Samoskevich, he’s looked the part of Florida’s top young prospect while participating in this summer’s development camp and last weekend’s Southeast Rookie Showcase.
He said in July that his goal is to make the Panthers Opening Night roster.
“I don't think it's a farfetched goal,” Samoskevich said after a development camp practice at the Ice Den in Coral Springs. “I know I can do it.”
In the two months since, the 20-year-old has been putting in the work, preparing for his first full season as a professional hockey player.
Samoskevich was among several youngsters who arrived in South Florida a couple weeks ago.
He and fellow Panthers prospect Evan Nause are sharing an AirBnb near the Ice Den in Coral Springs.
"It's a perfect setup, right near the rink," Samoskevich said Monday after scoring a power play goal in Florida’s 3-2 win over Tampa Bay during the rookie showcase. "Being in Florida isn't bad. It's a little too hot for my liking, but I've been enjoying the past two weeks and this weekend, and I'm looking forward to the rest of it."
The two were selected 32 picks apart during the virtual 2021 Draft. Since arriving, they have spent most of their time at the Ice Den, skating with some of the NHL-level Panthers and preparing for training camp.
"I'm looking forward to it,” Samoskevich said of training camp. “Playing with guys who I watched growing up, I'm definitely excited."
Interestingly, there have been new lessons for the young players to learn beyond the X's and O's of professional hockey.
Just being in the locker room and seeing how the veterans carry themselves, the observational learning can be off the charts.
"It's all the little things, like keeping your stall clean and helping with the trainers and stuff like that,” Samoskevich said. “Little things you pick up on. They're pros for a reason and I think it's really good for me to be around."
How long he stays around remains to be seen.
Samoskevich will start making his case to extend that AirBnb on Thursday when the Panthers open training camp.
For the full camp roster and schedule, click here.
