Jack Studnicka and Nolan Foote, a pair of two-way forwards signed this off-season, could be valued additions to the Florida Panthers organization at both the NHL and AHL levels.
The Charlotte Checkers have aspirations of working their way back to the Calder Cup finals. Although their top scorer, John Leonard, one of their top prospects, Justin Sourdif, and veteran Rasmus Asplund have left the organization, the team believes it possesses the depth to overcome the departures.
Jack Devine, the Panthers' top prospect, is expected to play the 2025-26 season with the Checkers, which will be a major boost. Additionally, Gracyn Sawchyn and Hunter St. Martin should provide young scoring.
The most impactful moves may come from off-season signings. Studnicka and Foote are skilled wingers who, although they haven't translated all too well at the NHL level, have been efficient AHL producers.
Studnicka was a second-round pick (53rd overall) to the Boston Bruins in the 2017 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-1, right-handed winger has scored 57 goals and 162 points in 255 career AHL games, but has also notched six goals and 16 points in 107 NHL games.
At the AHL level, Studnicka's skill and speed thrive, but at the NHL level, he's struggled to carve out a role. Studnicka can fit into the Panthers' bottom-six if needed throughout the season, but evidence has proven that he is better suited for the AHL game.
Foote, on the other hand, hasn't been given a real chance in the NHL yet, due to playing on a deeply skilled New Jersey Devils team. Throughout his AHL career, the 24-year-old has recorded 62 goals and 129 points in 191 games. In the NHL, he's scored six goals and nine points in 30 games.
Foote was a first-round pick (27th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2019 NHL Draft. Injuries halted his development in the 2023-24 season, but there appears to be a scoring touch that hasn't been tapped into at the NHL level just yet.
It's unlikely that Studnicka or Foote make too many appearances with the Panthers throughout the season, and when they do, their role will likely be limited. But strong AHL campaigns could earn them extensions and help the Checkers find success once again.
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