Instead of building through the draft, the Panthers were primarily constructed via trades and free agency. Eight of their players, including five of their top-seven scorers, were acquired via trade, while 11, including their number-one goaltender, were acquired via free agency.

Future Hall of Famer Paul Maurice makes a strong claim about the Panthers ahead of their Stanley Cup Final rematch vs Oilers

The Panthers returned most of the players from last year’s Stanley Cup-winning team, but some of the newcomers, who haven’t won a title, have helped to motivate the team this year.