Florida wasn’t even supposed to have this pick. Now Bill Zito could use it to reshape the franchise again.
Key Points
- Panthers secure the ninth overall pick: Thanks to a top-10 protection clause in the Seth Jones trade, Florida retains its first-round pick after a disappointing 2025-26 season.
- Three clear options: General Manager Bill Zito can trade the pick for a veteran, stay put and draft an impact player, or package assets to move into the top five of the draft.
- A pivotal offseason: With three picks in the first two rounds and a championship foundation, the Panthers face a critical opportunity to recalibrate for another Stanley Cup run.
How the Panthers Got the Ninth Pick
The Florida Panthers’ 40-38-4 record landed them in the NHL Draft Lottery for the first time since 2021. The lottery results pushed their pick to ninth overall, triggering a top-10 protection clause in the Seth Jones trade with the Chicago Blackhawks.
This means Florida keeps its 2026 first-round pick — a critical win for a franchise that missed the postseason for the first time in five years. However, the Panthers will now send their unprotected 2027 first-round pick to Chicago as part of the Jones trade.
With seven total picks in the 2026 draft, including three in the first two rounds, GM Bill Zito has plenty of options to reshape the roster.
The Options
1. Trade the Ninth Pick for a Veteran
Zito has a history of dealing draft picks for proven talent, and this offseason could see him take that route again.
- Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets): The Panthers’ goaltending was a weak spot in 2025-26, and Hellebuyck, one of the league’s top goalies, could be the solution.
- Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators): Pairing Brady with his brother Matthew Tkachuk in Florida would create a dynamic duo, though no trade talks have been confirmed.
This approach would prioritize short-term Cup contention but would come at the cost of future assets.
2. Stay Put and Draft an Impact Player
The 2026 draft class is deep, and the ninth pick gives Florida a chance to add a high-upside talent without sacrificing other assets.
- Bradley Knowing (G): The top goaltending prospect in the class, Knowing could address Florida’s most pressing roster need.
- Keaton Verhoeff (D): A top-tier defensive prospect who could fall to ninth. Adding Verhoeff would bolster Florida’s blue line for years to come.
This option balances immediate needs with long-term development, making it the safest play.
3. Trade Up for a Top-Five Pick
With three picks in the first two rounds, Zito has the assets to move into the top five if he identifies a can’t-miss prospect.
The top five teams in the 2026 draft are:
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- San Jose Sharks
- Vancouver Canucks
- Chicago Blackhawks
- New York Rangers
Jumping into this range would require a significant trade package, but it could land Florida a franchise-altering talent.
The Bottom Line
The Florida Panthers are at a crossroads. After two Stanley Cup championships, they face a critical offseason to retool and return to contention.
Bill Zito has options: trade the ninth pick for a veteran, draft an impact player, or move up for a top-five prospect. Each path carries risks and rewards, but one thing is certain — whoever joins the Panthers this summer will step into a winning culture that’s just a year removed from back-to-back titles.
The Panthers’ championship pedigree remains intact. Now it’s up to Zito to make the right call and keep Florida in the hunt for more hardware.
Sources
Florida Hockey Now: NHL Draft: Florida Panthers Pick 9th. Or Will They Trade It?
NHL.com: Florida Panthers to Select Ninth Overall in 2026 NHL Draft
Daily Faceoff: Panthers to Keep 2026 First-Round Pick; Will Transfer 2027 First to Blackhawks
PuckPedia: Seth Jones Trade Details
ESPN: 2026 NHL Draft Order: Picks 1-16 Following the Draft Lottery
