PROSPECTS: Guzda feels 'at home' after signing with Panthers

It's been more than two years since Mack Guzda was invited to attend development camp with the Panthers in the summer of 2019, but clearly that short stint in South Florida left a strong impression.
Reportedly beating out several other suitors from around the NHL, the Panthers made headlines when they inked the highly-coveted free agent goaltender to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday.

"I had some really good conversations with their staff," Guzda said of his decision during a conference call shortly after signing. "I've been to development camp in Florida. I have a good feel for the culture. I've worked with their goalie coaches. Everything from my time there made me feel like I was at home."
When asked about picking the Panthers, Guzda said he was very impressed by the organization's first-of-its kind Goaltending Excellence Department, which was established back in December of 2020 and is headed by former NHL goaltender and current Special Advisor to the General Manager Roberto Luongo.
In addition to Luongo, the department, which aims to create a comprehensive, integrated experience and program for all goaltenders within the Panthers pipeline, also consists of goaltending consultant Francois Allaire, Panthers goaltending coach Robb Tallas and Charlotte Checkers goaltending coach Leo Luongo.
"That was huge," Guzda said. "I got to speak on the phone with pretty much all of them. It's all been so positive. To have that many resources to help in your development, that's really all you can ask for."
His first chat with Luongo, in particular, was one he'll never forget.
"It was pretty cool," Guzda said. "That's a guy I grew up watching. To hear his interest in me and hear that kind of stuff, it was pretty cool and pretty humbling. I couldn't be more excited to get started."
Looking at his numbers this season, it's no surprise that other teams were in on the 21-year-old.
Owning the third-best save percentage in the OHL (.921%), Guzda has been racking up accolades this season. After being named the league's "Goaltender of the Month" in December, he earned that same honor again in January after going 5-1-1 with a .939 save percentage and one shutout in seven games.
Traded from Owen Sound to Barrie in November, he's posted an overall record of 16-8-2 in 2021-22.
"It took a lot of work," said Guzda, who went undrafted in the NHL. "I came in and played in the OHL as a 16-year-old. I've been here for a long time and gained a lot of experience. I feel like I made big strides in my game over the COVID year. I got to spend some time at home working on my game. I didn't take much time off. I was just working on my game. Putting that work in, I feel it helped improve my game."
Born in Tennessee while his father, Brad, was manning the crease for Knoxville in the UHL, Guzda spent the cancelled 2020-21 OHL season at his family's home in Nashville. During that time, he benefited from being able to work every day with his dad, who is currently serving a goalie coach for Seattle in the WHL.
"I think a lot of people want to be like their dad when they grow up," said Guzda, who stands an imposing 6-foot-5 between the pipes. "It was exciting that I got the chance to do that. He's been a big influence on me, for sure. I got to work with him a lot over COVID, and that helped me out big time."
While it's now his goal to suit up for the Panthers, Guzda said he's not looking that far ahead just yet.
"I'm taking it day by day," he said. "Right now, I'm with the Barrie Colts. I'm looking forward to having a long season here and a long playoff run. When I get [to the pros], they have a great staff that's going to work with me. I can't wait to work with those guys. They've done a really great job with their goalies."
That being said, Guzda already feels welcome with the Panthers.
"It feels like a great big Florida Panthers family," he said. "They've got a great winning culture. They're developing players and winning games. It's exciting. I look forward to contributing in any way possible."