"This is what we do for a living, but it's also the game we love," new Panthers forward Alex Wennberg said on the Territory Talk podcast earlier this month. "I feel like everyone is just super excited to get hockey going. It's going to be different, for sure. But maybe that's a good thing as well. It keeps you on your toes and makes you even more excited about games."
In addition to Wennberg, the Panthers will also have many other new faces at camp preparing for their first season in South Florida, including forwards Patric Hornqvist, Vinnie Hinostroza, Carter Verhaeghe Ryan Lomberg, as well as defensemen Radko Gudas and Markus Nutivaara.
Florida also inked forward Anthony Duclair, a 2020 NHL All-Star, to a one-year deal on Dec. 17.
"I think I'm still a growing player, still have lots to learn," said Duclair, who scored a career-high 23 goals in 66 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. "I'm ready for the new challenge that's going to be coming my way. Last year, I was sort of on a prove it, 1-year deal.
"I think I showcased what I can do at times. Like I said, I just want to build off what I did last year and continue growing and just continue to be myself. I want to bring that aspect of my game to Florida and do the best I can to help the team win as many games as possible."
Also looking to make a splash at camp will be a handful of intriguing rookies such as former first-round picks Grigori Denisenko (15th overall, 2018) and Owen Tippett (10th overall, 2017).
"I think this is the year I feel most ready," Tippett, who led Florida's AHL affiliate in scoring with 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists) in 46 games last season, told FloridaPanthers.com last month. "Playing in that first pro season last year and knowing what to expect obviously really helps."
How will all of these pieces fit together? That's what we'll find out at camp in the coming weeks.
But even though we have to wait a bit before the lineup takes shape, we do already know that this season will be like no other in history. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a lot more than just safety protocols have had to be adjusted to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.
As part of the NHL's travel-friendly realignment, the Panthers will now be competing strictly in the new-look Central Division against Carolina, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Detroit, Columbus and, of course, Tampa Bay. Florida will play each of these teams eight times during the season.
For a full look at this revamped schedule, check out the tweet below.
