Florida Panthers: A History of Captains Since 1993

From Skrudland to Barkov: A Legacy of Leadership

Since their inaugural season in 1993, the Florida Panthers have had nine players don the captain's "C." Each has left their mark on the franchise, guiding the team through triumphs and tribulations.

Brian Skrudland (1993-1997)

The inaugural captain of the Panthers, Brian Skrudland was a veteran defenseman known for his toughness and leadership.

Scott Mellanby (1997-2001)

A physical forward, Scott Mellanby was a fan favorite who wore the "C" during the Panthers' run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

Pavel Bure (2001-2002)

The Russian Rocket, Pavel Bure, was a dynamic scorer who briefly captained the Panthers before being traded to the New York Rangers.

Olli Jokinen (2008-2010)

A skilled centerman, Olli Jokinen led the Panthers during a rebuilding period and helped mentor young players.

Bryan McCabe (2010-2011)

A veteran defenseman, Bryan McCabe was a vocal leader during his brief tenure as captain.

Stephen Weiss (2011-2012)

Stephen Weiss, a homegrown talent, was a steady and reliable captain who represented the Panthers with pride.

Ed Jovanovski (2012-2014)

A veteran defenseman, Ed Jovanovski provided stability and experience during a tumultuous period for the Panthers.

Willie Mitchell (2014-2016)

Willie Mitchell, a heart-and-soul player, was a fan favorite who led the Panthers through their first playoff series win in 2016.

Aleksander Barkov (2016-present)

The current captain, Aleksander Barkov, is a rising star and one of the most talented players in the NHL. He has led the Panthers to their first Presidents' Trophy in 2022.

Conclusion

Over the last 30 years, the Florida Panthers have been led by a diverse group of captains who have each contributed to the franchise's history. From Brian Skrudland's inaugural leadership to Aleksander Barkov's current reign, the "C" has symbolized resilience, pride, and the pursuit of excellence in Sunrise.