SPORTS-HKN-SABRES-PANTHERS-FILEPIC-MI In this file photo, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches his team play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at the Amerant Bank Arena on Nov. 15, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida. Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/TNS EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx 165402740W MatiasxJ.xOcnerx krtphotoslive960549
SPORTS-HKN-SABRES-PANTHERS-FILEPIC-MI In this file photo, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice watches his team play against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second period at the Amerant Bank Arena on Nov. 15, 2025, in Sunrise, Florida. Matias J. Ocner/Miami Herald/TNS EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx 165402740W MatiasxJ.xOcnerx krtphotoslive960549
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, whose team has had its own share of problems, has chimed in on a debate that is currently going around the NHL world.
The Panthers' poor form this season meant that they were knocked out of playoff contention. While his team is out of the race, Maurice shared his take on who could potentially win the Stanley Cup among the remaining teams.
While speaking to an NHL source, Paul Maurice said he believes five clear teams have a real chance to win the 2026 Stanley Cup. However, he did not name any specific team.
While he did not take the names of teams, the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Montreal Canadiens could likely be included in his list as they have been brilliant all season.
While he has shared his thoughts on the possible cMaurice also shared his thoughts about the Florida Panthers poor season.
What Happened to Paul Maurice’s Panthers This Season?
“You can win a Stanley Cup, then miss the playoffs by 100 miles, and we’re going to prove that this year," said Maurice.
He stressed that winning today does not guarantee success next year. “Then we’re going to try to win next year. So, nothing’s permanent,” he added.
For a team that has had immense success in recent years, the Panthers' drop-off was shocking. Maurice's words definitely instill some sort of faith in fans, but what exactly went wrong?
The Panthers were the champions of the last two seasons (NHL 2023-24 and 2024-25). Both times, Maurice was the HC of the team. So he has seen the highs and lows in the franchise.
Their record this season has been 38-38-4, and this has led them to drop to seventh place in the Atlantic division.
Injuries have been a major cause of concern for the Panthers. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, and Aaron Ekblad are the key players on the team, and without them, they have struggled to find consistency.
Key absences to these names have meant that the Panthers' defense has been leaky throughout the year. They have conceded 273 goals, which is the most in the Atlantic Division and fifth most in the NHL.
With their injured players expected to return in the offseason, the Panthers will be hoping the squad is ready for next year. Their goal will be to return to the grandest stage and secure the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history.
Read more at NHL Fan Central!
Written by
Kapil Manghnani