Florida Panthers hold full team practice in Fort Lauderdale on June 17. Slowly but surely, a new NHL season is getting closer. We've nearly gotten through the month of August, which is generally a desert wasteland when it comes to any kind of new and exciting hockey news. Earlier this week, our friends over at The Athletic put together an interesting post on longshot possibilities for the NHL Awards [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5715892/2024/08/23/nhl-award-picks-marner-st-louis/] in the upcoming season. Putting on our Panthers-colored glasses, THN Florida got to thinking about which Cats players would be the best candidates for the awards next year. Here is what we came up with: Hart Trophy: Matthew Tkachuk He was a finalist for the Hart Trophy during his first season with the Panthers in 2022-23 and should be fully healthy with a newfound motivation when this season gets underway. Considering Tkachuk is still only 26 years old, there is no reason to think his game isn't still growing. Calder Trophy: Mackie Samoskevich Arguably Florida's top non-NHL player will get a good look during training camp and could very well crack the Cats' Opening Night roster. His first pro season was spent almost entirely with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, where Samoskevich racked up an impressive 22 goals and 54 points in 62 American League contests. High end scoring and playmaking skills could lead to a big rookie season for Samoskevich, especially if he earns time in Florida's top six and/or on the power play. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Norris Trophy: Gustav Forsling Following another strong season for the Panthers that carried over to Florida's run to the Stanley Cup back in June, Gus Forsling is no longer an NHL unknown. The former waiver wire pickup has grown into a top-pairing shutdown defenseman with above average offensive skills who can skate with the best of them. Vezina Trophy: Sergei Bobrovsky Bobrovsky has proven that his age is not going to dictate how well he’s playing. The soon-to-be 36-year-old is coming off a season in which he was a Vezina Trophy finalist the second straight year he was considered a Conn Smythe Trophy contender. There is no reason to think Bob’s play will fall off this season, considering how Florida defends and that Paul Maurice will likely aim to keep him around 50-55 appearances. Art Ross Trophy: Matthew Tkachuk You better believe if Tkachuk’s season is worthy of a Hart Trophy then he put up some big numbers. He’s already had back-to-back 40-goal seasons and now, entering his prime years, could really break out in a big way. Add to that the talent that he’ll be surrounded with in Florida, both at even strength and on the power play, and the sky is the limit for Chucky. Rocket Richard Trophy: Sam Reinhart He may not reach the same heights of his 57-goal campaign last season, but Reinhart is going to find the back of the net quite a bit. While he does play on a team that could have three or four 40-goal scorers, Reinhart’s ability to score in all facets of the game give him that slight edge. Selke Trophy: Sasha Barkov He’s the league’s reigning Selke winner and the best two-way center in the world. It doesn’t need to be complicated. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA 'I want you to be a Leaf someday': Sam Bennett getting recruited by Toronto fans [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/i-want-you-to-be-a-leaf-someday-sam-bennett-getting-recruited-by-toronto-fans] Florida Panthers debut Stanley Cup inspired center ice logo for upcoming season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/florida-panthers-debut-stanley-cup-inspired-center-ice-logo-for-upcoming-season] Appreciation post for Sergei Bobrovsky to kick off NHL Goalie Week [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/appreciation-post-for-sergei-bobrovsky-to-kick-off-nhl-goalie-week] Stanley Cup returns to South Florida, visits youth players to Dmitry Kulikov and golfs with Ryan Lomberg, Brooks Koepka [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/stanley-cup-returns-to-south-florida-visits-youth-players-to-dmitry-kulikov-and-golfs-with-ryan-lomberg-brooks-koepka] Setting the odds on which Panthers player will lead the team in points [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/setting-the-odds-on-which-panthers-player-will-lead-the-team-in-points] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
