Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates scoring an empty net goal with defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) and forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1a155363-224b-459b-8739-8f2804c40fc8.jpeg] Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates scoring an empty net goal with defenseman Gustav Forsling (42) and forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers in game two of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images As the dog days of the offseason continue and the excitement for the 2025-26 season continues to build, attempting to predict who fits where and what role they serve is always a fun topic. Today, we look at who is best suited to quarterback the Florida Panthers' second power play unit. Brandon Montour held down the role of quarterbacking the top unit until he departed for the Seattle Kraken [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/seattle-kraken/game-day/montour-on-returning-to-florida-im-having-a-heck-of-a-time-in-seattle] following the Panthers' triumph in the 2023-24 season. With the Panthers, Montour enjoyed his best offensive seasons, including a 16-goal and 73-point performance in the 2022-23 season. He also recorded a career-high 33 power play points, which ranked second among NHL defensemen. Following his exit, the Panthers placed Aaron Ekblad in that role until they acquired Seth Jones [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/blockbuster-trade-panthers-acquiring-defenseman-seth-jones-from-chicago-for-goalie-spencer-knight], who, upon arrival, took the role and ran with it during Ekblad's suspension [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/aaron-ekblad-suspended-20-games-for-violating-nhl-substance-abuse-policy]. Jones possesses a heavy one-timer from the point as well as excellent vision to help distribute the puck around the offensive zone. He is also a strong skater, which makes entries on the power play smoother and more efficient. He'll likely be given free runway to man the top unit this season. Joining him on the top unit, when healthy, will be Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/amazing-summer-for-matthew-tkachuk-gets-even-better-with-joyful-wedding-stanley-cup-day], Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe. The second unit will consist of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/does-the-increased-cap-hit-come-with-added-pressure-for-panthers-sam-bennett], Anton Lundell [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/can-florida-panthers-anton-lundell-take-the-next-step-if-one-really-doesn-t-exist], one of Mackie Samoskevich [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/what-does-mackie-samoskevich-s-future-look-like-with-the-panthers] or Evan Rodrigues [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/insider-believes-evan-rodrigues-could-be-a-good-fit-with-the-canucks-thinks-panthers-are-doing-whatever-it-takes-to-keep-him] and a defenseman, with the options being Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, or recently signed Jeff Petry. The leading candidate is Ekblad [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/report-aaron-ekblad-staying-with-panthers-on-long-term-extension], who has been a key figure on the Panthers' power play in the past and, despite not being as potent offensively, still maintains a certain level of threat on the point. Forsling, a great passer, doesn't have the experience of the other two options, but is capable of playing in that role. The dark horse and the very possible answer is Petry, a 37-year-old signed to a one-year contract [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/it-was-a-no-brainer-defenseman-jeff-petry-speaks-on-decision-to-join-panthers-pursue-stanley-cup]. Petry has plenty of experience running a power play as he did for several seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Using Petry in this role serves additional purposes. It would allow Ekblad and Forsling to receive additional rest and keep them fresh as they take on the bulk of the difficult matchups. Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry (46) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b96528c9-6c76-442d-8804-0df7808c6994.jpeg] Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry (46) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images Petry also possesses the traits that make Jones so productive on the man advantage. He has a heavy slap shot, a knack for getting shots through traffic and moves the puck effectively at the top of the offensive zone. Although all three defensemen are deserving candidates, the particular advantages of using each player in that role could dictate who coach Paul Maurice uses in that role. Early predictions on how Florida Panthers defenseman will line up on Opening Night [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6e5130cc-ff24-455d-b868-bd9a1b17630b.webp] Early predictions on how Florida Panthers defenseman will line up on Opening Night It may still be the middle of the summer, but the Florida Panthers roster is pretty much set for the upcoming season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/early-predictions-on-how-florida-panthers-defenseman-will-line-up-on-opening-night]
