SUNRISE, Fla. -Gustav Forsling just keeps getting better.
From waiver-wire pickup to top-pairing defenseman, the 26-year-old has been very effective at both ends of the ice this season for the Panthers, producing 30 points (seven goals, 23 assists), 69 blocks and 31 takeaways while averaging a career-high 23:45 of ice time per tilt.
Q&A: Forsling talks vacation, second-half push and more!
Since being claimed from Carolina in 2019, Forsling has amassed a +71 rating with Florida.
"He's so effective with his stick and his skating that he can play against the other team's best and do it night after night," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "That's an elite thing."
Following Tuesday's practice at FLA Live Arena, I had a chance to catch up with Forsling to chat about his mid-season recharge, pushing for the playoffs, playing with Aaron Ekblad and much more.
OLIVE: You guys had a pretty grueling schedule during the month of January. How great did it feel to finally be able to rest and recharge during the All-Star break?
FORSLING: The break couldn't have come at a better time. It was a tough January, a lot of games. Now we're rested, recharged and ready to go again.
OLIVE: You're averaging more ice time per game than you ever have before this season. Have you felt those extra minutes when it comes to wear and tear on your body?
FORSLING: It's a little different, for sure [laughs]. But I love it.
OLIVE: Going back to the break, how did you spend your time away from the rink?
FORSLING:My fiancée and I went to Turks and Caicos. That was great.
OLIVE: Did you explore the islands a bit or stay put?
FORSLING:Yeah, we were only there for three nights so we basically stuck to the hotel.
OLIVE: It seems like all the guys are rocking a pretty good tan now.
FORSLING:For sure [laughs]. When you play games, you don't get to go out a lot. You just want to relax and stay inside. It's nice to finally get some sun.
OLIVE: From hot weather to a hot start, how big was it to return from the break with a 7-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday?
FORSLING: It was great. Building off how we were playing before the break, we've really found our game lately here. It's good to keep building.
OLIVE: What stands out when you look at the differences between how you guys were playing during the first month of the season to how you're playing now?
FORSLING: I feel like we're a little more confident out there. We've got confidence now, and that's all you need.
OLIVE: As for the road ahead, how much are you looking forward to this playoff push?
FORSLING:So excited. It's big games coming up. It's always fun to play games at this time of year.
OLIVE: You dipped your toe into the water of being a top-pairing defenseman last year, but how has it been taking on that role full-time this season?
FORSLING:It's been a little different, just the mentality. At the same time, I just play my game out there and try not to think about it too much. It's been a lot of fun to play big minutes and play against the other team's top lines.
OLIVE: With how fast some of those opposing top lines are, how much do you think your game is suited to shut down those players?
FORSLING:It's basically what I try to work on during the summer. I want to get faster and stronger. The game is getting faster and faster. The top guys are all very fast nowadays.
OLIVE: You've played with Aaron Ekblad in the past, but how do you feel your chemistry has grown this season being partners on the ice every day.
FORSLING: It's getting better and better, for sure. It's very easy to play with him. He makes it looks easy out there. He's very smart with the puck and always in the right positions. It's very enjoyable to play with him.
OLIVE: After a game, is there a specific metric or two you look at to judge your performance?
FORSLING:I don't know. Not really. I just have a feel for how I play. I'm very honest with myself. I know when I'm playing good or not. I think it's just a gut feeling.
OLIVE: There's quite a few new faces in the locker room this season, including Matthew Tkachuk. What's it been like getting to know him and play alongside him these past few months?
FORSLING:He's great. It's been unreal on the ice. He's been great in the locker room, too. He's such a nice guy. He really gets the group together.
OLIVE: When you're putting pucks on net from the blue line, how nice is it having a guy like Tkachuk down there always looking for tips and rebounds?
FORSLING: That's how you score in this league. He's proof of that. He's great with his stick. The net presence that he has, it seems like he gets a stick on everything. You just want to put it to the net when he's on the ice.
OLIVE: You're fast approaching 300 games played in the NHL. How would you sum up your journey thus far?
FORSLING:It's been a lot of ups and downs, but that's life. Honestly, it's been a lot of fun. I'm really happy now with where I'm at. It's exciting to be playing in these games with these guys.
OLIVE: Pretty crazy that this is already your third season in South Florida, right?
FORSLING:Yeah, I love it here. It's hard to have a bad day when you're waking up to the sun every day.
OLIVE: When you have some downtime, how are you spending it these days?
FORSLING: I try to go down to the beach, but I'm pretty tired on days off. I'm not doing it as much as I want. I usually just take walks with my fiancée and hang by the pool.
OLIVE: Speaking of your fiancée, how's the wedding planning going?
FORSLING: It's going good. I'm not going to lie, I'm not the best guy there [smiles]. She's doing most of the work, for sure. She really enjoys it. It's coming up quick!
