Forsling signed an 8-year contract extension with the Panthers back in March
Forsling signed an 8-year contract extension with the Panthers back in March
Defenseman Gustav Forsling has proven to be an incredible find by Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito.
The 28-year-old has emerged as one of the top shutdown defensemen in the NHL over the past couple of seasons while playing top pairing minutes for Paul Maurice and the Panthers.
Forsling was so good during Florida’s 2023-24 campaign that he earned Norris Trophy votes from members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, but it was his play as the Panthers marched through the Stanley Cup Playoffs that opened the eyes of many who were previously unaware of just how good the young Swede was.
It’s crazy to think that Florida plucked Forsling off the waiver wire all the way back in January of 2021.
His offensive skills were never in question, but the way his defensive game has grown during his four seasons in Sunrise has been a treat to watch.
Everything Forsling has earned for himself since, including the 8-year, $46 million extension he inked in March, has been the result of his tireless work ethic.
Forsling has been credited by Maurice as being one of, if not the fittest player in Florida’s dressing room.
Entering the upcoming season, Forsling will likely be on Florida’s top defensive pairing, as he was last season, alongside Aaron Ekblad.
The question we’ll be wondering when training camp arrives is whether Forsling will see any regular power play time.
Florida’s top man advantage has generally utilized four forwards over the past several seasons, with the one D spot mostly going to Ekblad, Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Will Maurice and Florida power play coach Jamie Kompon give Forsling a shot at running the number one power play?
We shall see.
Regardless, it’s safe to expect another steady, consistent season from Forsling in which he provides suffocating defense and strong offensive skills, and all for the bargain price of $5.75 million for the next eight seasons.
The Panthers put together an extended cut of Forsling’s top plays from last season, and if you’ve got the time, it’s worth a watch. Check it out below:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIQ8IpGI9j8[/embed]
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA
Marking 4-year anniversary of Florida Panthers hiring Bill Zito as general manager
Redemption Rewind: A championship parade that no rain could ruin
The Hockey Show: Remembering Johnny Gaudreau with John Buccigross
