Next up in our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Breakouts series is the Florida Panthers. The Panthers are looking to build off their impressive 2023 playoff run this upcoming season. They have a strong roster heading into the new season, led by stars Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Aaron Ekblad. These are obvious picks in fantasy hockey, but they also have some clear breakout candidates worth considering in your drafts, too. Let’s discuss three of them now.
Florida Panthers Breakout Candidates for 2023-24
Anton Lundell
Anton Lundell is the Panthers’ most notable breakout candidate heading into the 2023-24 season. The 2020 first-round pick took a step back last season, posting 12 goals and 33 points in 73 regular-season games. This was after a 44-point campaign in 65 games in 2021-22 as a rookie. Thus, we know that the 21-year-old can do more offensively. This was a classic case of a sophomore slump, and we should see him not only turn things back around in 2023-24 but also take another step forward.
Lundell was selected with the 12th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft for a reason. Many believe that he has the skill to be a top-six forward. The Panthers should give him more opportunities this season, specifically in their top six and on their power play. This bigger role should help him improve offensively. Due to this, don’t be afraid to take a shot at him in the later rounds of your fantasy draft.
Eetu Luostarinen
After a strong 2022-23 season, Eetu Luostarinen signed a three-year, $9 million extension with the Panthers this summer. It was completely earned, and the truth is seen through his stats. In 82 games, he set new career highs in goals (17), assists (26), and points (43). Now, after earning his big payday, he is looking to build off it in 2023-24.
Luostarinen, 24, should improve noticeably this season. This is because he will have a bigger role on their roster, likely on their third line and power play. Furthermore, his excellent defensive play will make him a key part of their penalty kill. Due to his importance to the club and his young age, this should be a big year for Luostarinen. Because of this, he’s another young Panthers forward who should break out even further in 2023-24.
Grigori Denisenko
Grigori Denisenko is an under-the-radar breakout candidate worth paying attention to from the Panthers. The 2018 first-round pick has yet to become an NHL regular, but this should be the year he changes that. The Panthers are expected to give him more chances at the NHL level this season and in the right role, he should finally break out.
Denisenko is a skilled forward who has the tools to become a middle-six winger in the NHL. He performed well with the Charlotte Checkers last season, posting 12 goals and 36 points in 56 AHL games. If he can translate some of that offense to the NHL, he would be a surprise breakout player for Florida. Therefore, if he has a hot start to the year, he will be a player worth adding to your fantasy club later in the season.
It will be intriguing to see how well these three breakout candidates perform for the Panthers in 2023-24. Lundell and Luostarinen are two players worth selecting now in bigger drafts, while Denisenko could make sense as the year rolls on.
Make sure to check out all of the sleepers and breakouts of the 2023 fantasy hockey season!