If you would have asked both of us in the middle of the summer if we have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup again, a rematch, we would both race to sign that paper.'

Florida’s road has only been a touch tougher. The Panthers beat in-state rival Tampa Bay in five games before needing seven games to get by Toronto, winning the decisive game in Canada. Florida dropped the first two games to the Maple Leafs and trailed Game 3 by two goals, but stormed back in that series.

Florida Panthers' Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett could be available to Detroit Red Wings on the 2025 NHL free agent market.