Arriving to South Florida around 6 a.m. ET -- just five hours before the Panthers hit the ice for practice -- Mahura said he spent most of his coast-to-coast flight pondering everything that would come his new opportunity.
"With the team that's here, just being able to come in and be welcome with open arms is really exciting," Mahura said. "I'm just happy to be here. … To come in and be a part of this group, I just want help them whatever way I can. I just want to get acclimated as soon as possible. It's a great group of guys in here. They've been welcoming me in really well."
Originally selected by Anaheim in the third round (85th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft, Mahura posted 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 79 games over parts of four seasons with the Ducks.
Turning the page, he's eager to pen the next chapter of his career with the Panthers.
"Obviously I had some ups and downs in Anaheim," said Mahura, who's also appeared in 112 career AHL games. "At the beginning of my career, I was planning on staying there, but it just didn't work out. I'm really thrilled to come here and just looking forward to the opportunity."
With South Florida becoming a destination for players needing a change of scenery in recent seasons, head coach Paul Maurice believes Mahura will be put in a good spot to succeed with the Panthers.
"For a young defensemen, there's a lot to learn in their early years," Maurice said. "I think he's in a good position with our] style of play. He's a good puck-mover, he's a good skater, and he can close the gap. Part of it is also the partner you're playing with, and we think he can be a good fit."
During his first practice, that partner was the always-imposing Radko Gudas.
The NHL's hit leader over the last two season, the veteran blueliner's physical stay-at-home style of play should be a good complement to Mahura's skillset. And even though they've only had once practice together, the early results were promising.
"Very vocal guy," Mahura said of Gudas. "He helped me out so much out there, which really helps me feel more comfortable in my game. We're just talking through things. We did some video with the D coach here. Just starting to feel each other out and get some chemistry. It's going to be a work in progress, but it's nice to get the first [practice] out of the way."
The reigning Presidents' Trophy winners, the Panthers will kick off their 2022-23 campaign with a three-game road trip beginning with a matchup against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Thursday.
Even with little time to spare, Mahura isn't worried about hitting the ground running.
"At the end of the day, it's just playing hockey," Mahura said. "I've done it my whole life. Just figuring out the systems and starting to get used to the players and getting some chemistry, that's all it is."
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The Florida Panthers will celebrate their 2022-23 Home Opener at FLA Live Arena against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 19, 2022. The first 10,000 fans through the doors will receive a commemorative magnet schedule courtesy of Bally Sports Florida. Click [HERE to purchase your tickets today!
