The Florida Panthers’ decision to trade Mackie Samoskevich to Seattle left fans divided over the return.
Seattle acquired the 23-year-old winger in exchange for the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft and a conditional second-round pick in 2027. Florida will receive the higher of the Winnipeg Jets’ and Columbus Blue Jackets‘ second-round selections next year.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared the news on X, and fans quickly shared their thoughts.
“Seems a little bit underwhelming for the Panthers. Unless they are trying to make room for Larkin…” one user wrote.
Another fan thought Seattle had gotten the better end of the deal.
“Kraken fleeced and acquired a core piece. Plus frequent line mates with Beniers at Michigan. Mackie is a certified late bloomer with 50-60+ pt potential, just needs an opportunity to break out and this is it. Tough as a young guy in that Panthers org.”
Some fans were simply confused by the move.
“What the f*** is Seattle doing,” one fan wrote,
While another added,
“Good player with potential but yikes thats a haul.”
Another user simply asked, “Hmm what are the Panthers cooking.”
Mackie Samoskevich put up the best numbers of his young career last season, finishing with 12 goals and 20 assists in 77 games while averaging 14:28 of ice time.
Seattle’s next step will be signing Mackie Samoskevich to a new contract. The winger is a restricted free agent after completing a one-year, $775,000 deal with the Panthers last season.
Why Seattle sees Mackie Samoskevich as a long-term fit
Even in a limited role, Mackie Samoskevich made his presence felt for the Panthers last season. He finished third on the team with 136 hits and led all Florida wingers with 33 blocked shots.
He also put 161 shots on goal, the fourth-most on the team, and saw time on the Panthers’ second power-play unit.
“Mackie is a talented young player who we are excited to bring into the fold,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. “He has speed, skill and scoring ability. A Stanley Cup champion with the Panthers in 2025, Mackie’s a player who can contribute offensively and add a spark to our lineup.”
He was selected 24th overall by the Panthers in the 2021 NHL Draft and has recorded 27 goals and 36 assists in 156 NHL games.
For Florida, the deal means the Panthers now own two first-round picks in Friday’s draft, including the No. 9 selection. Seattle, meanwhile still holds the No. 7 pick.
Edited by Sonali Verma