Panthers pick up extra 1st-round pick in intriguing Kraken trade

The Florida Panthers made their first big move of the offseason on Sunday, sending forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 2027 conditional second-round selection.

Samoskevich, 23, was originally selected 24th overall by Florida in the 2021 NHL Draft. Over his Panthers tenure, he appeared in 156 NHL games and produced 27 goals and 63 points. In the 2025-26 season, he recorded 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points across 77 games, while averaging 14:28 of ice time per contest. He also contributed physically and defensively, finishing with 136 hits and ranking third among Florida players in that category, while leading the Panthers wingers with 33 blocked shots. He also amassed 161 shots on goal, placing fourth on the team, and spent time on the team’s second power-play unit.

The conditional 2027 second-round pick acquired by Florida will be the higher selection between the Winnipeg Jets’ and Columbus Blue Jackets’ picks, both of which are held by Seattle.

With this deal, the Panthers now holdstwo first-round selections in the 2026 draft, including the newly acquired 25th pick and the previously held 9th overall selection. Florida also possess two second-round picks at Nos. 40 and 48, giving them four selections inside the top 48 picks.

Samoskevich is currently a restricted free agent and is expected to need a new contract with the Kraken. He is also set to reunite with former Michigan teammate Matty Beniers in the Kraken organization.

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