Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich is listed as day-to-day after suffering a lower-body injury in Friday's shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The team will host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday without him, slotting Jack Studnicka back into the lineup. Despite injury challenges, the Panthers remain second in the Atlantic Division.
The Florida Panthers are managing another injury setback as they prepare to face the St. Louis Blues at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, on Saturday. Head coach Paul Maurice announced during pregame media availability that 23-year-old forward Mackie Samoskevich is day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained during the team's 4-3 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday.
The exact moment of the injury remains unclear, but Samoskevich's last shift occurred with 4:43 remaining in the third period. Now in his third NHL season, the former first-round pick has enjoyed his most productive campaign yet, accumulating 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 34 games during the 2025-26 season. He has found consistency lately, contributing to the scoresheet in five of the Panthers' 10 games in December.
To replace Samoskevich, Jack Studnicka returns to the lineup for his first action since December 15. In eight games this season, the forward has recorded 13 hits and two blocks.
The Panthers have been resilient amid a season plagued by injuries, winning seven of their last eight games to improve to 19-13-2 and secure second place in the Atlantic Division. Updates on Samoskevich's status are expected in the coming days.
