George Richards, FHN Publisher
The Florida Panthers have a first-round pick (at least for now) for the first time since the 2021 NHL Draft.
They plan to celebrate that with their fans.
On Friday, the team officially announced it will hold a draft watch party at the Fort Lauderdale IcePlex on June 26.
Florida has the ninth overall pick after originally trading its selection to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Seth Jones/Spencer Knight deal in 2025.
Fans are invited to come to the IcePlex starting at 5 p.m. on the night of the draft.
The team says there will be interactive games, vendors, food, beverages, and more.
Fans will be able to watch ESPN’s draft coverage from the stands inside the IceDen — or do so from the ice as part of a public skate.
Doug Plagens and Billy Lindsay will also be broadcasting on WQAM.
The Panthers currently have seven picks in the 2026 draft.
ON DECK: FLORIDA PANTHERS OFFSEASON
- NHL Draft (9th in First Round, Seven Picks Overall): June 26-27; KeyBank Center, Buffalo
- NHL Free Agency: Opens July 1
- Panthers Development Camp: Late June/Early July; IcePlex, Fort Lauderdale
- Panthers Rookie Camp/Tournament: Late August/Early Sept.; Site TBA
- Panthers Training Camp: Early/Mid September; Fort Lauderdale
- 2026-27 NHL Season Opens: Late September; Site, Opponent TBA