PROSPECTS: 'It's something you dream of'

SUNRISE, Fla. - Mackie Samoskevich is ready to bring his game to the next level. "I'm excited," said Samoskevich, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Panthers on Monday at FLA Live Arena.

"It's something you dream of for sure, signing your first contract. My family is excited, too, and they were a huge help along the way, so it will be nice to enjoy this together."

A first-round pick (24th overall) of the Panthers in the 2021 NHL Draft, Samoskevich put up 72 points (30 goals, 42 assists) in 79 games over two seasons at the University of Michigan prior to turning pro. As a freshman in 2021-22, he was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Big Ten All-Tournament Team.

"Mackie is a creative, dynamic playmaker who possesses an elite shooting ability and high hockey IQ," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a release after the signing was announced. "We're excited to sign him to our organization and to see him take the next step in his progression as a professional."

After helping Michigan to consecutive Big Ten Championships and Frozen Four appearances, Samoskevich joined the Charlotte Checkers in April on a professional tryout and made the most of his stay in the AHL.

Dishing out two assists during a two-game, regular-season tune-up, the Connecticut native went on to finished tied for second on the Checkers in assists during the playoffs with four helpers in seven games.

"It's definitely been a little bit of a whirlwind this year, but I think it's for the better," said the 20-year-old forward. "I think it's going to help me grow. Those playoff games, playing under pressure will help me in the long run. Getting those games in the AHL was a big thing for me, being able to learn the pro game and pro lifestyle, it's been a big two months for me for sure."

In a quick transition from college to pro, the skilled forward learned a lot about being a professional both on and off the ice during his month with the Checkers.

"The pro lifestyle, it's your job now so it's a little bit different," said Samoskevich. "There are things you need to learn, but I loved every second of it. The game down there is a little bit more structured than college, but it was really good for me to learn through it. There are a lot of good people in this organization, and I thought I did a good job of being a sponge down there."

Following Charlotte's exit in the Calder Cup playoffs, Samoskevich will now get to join the Panthers organization during an exciting playoff run and is ready to take it all in.

"These guys are the best of the best," said Samoskevich. "Learning how they go about their day and their preparation for a game is going to be cool for me to see, and I'm definitely going to take some things from them to use for me in the future."