2026-27 Panther Pourriview feat. Dom Luszczyszyn (The Athletic)

So what are we expecting out of this season, boys? We have a lot to talk about just because it is that first episode of a new season.

Last season was obviously very abnormal due to all the injuries.

But we are back and fully healthy, with one exception being Brad Marchand is set to miss the first month or so of this season.

But...

That gives Sandus Vilmanis a real good chance to really show what he's got on that third line in a regular role for the first quarter or so

of the season.

I'm very excited about that.

I mean, there's going to be some line shuffling.

Well, yeah, if he

doesn't prove himself, then that's its own issue that you'll see.

I don't know if you move Garnett Hathaway up to line three.

No.

I don't know who does move up to line three if...

If Vilmanis doesn't

look good...

He's so good on that fourth line,

though.

But I don't expect that to really be an issue.

I think even if it doesn't work right away, you're playing third-line minutes against third-line comps.

You've got Anton Lundell and Etulostorinan backing you up.

I

think you let that...

You just let them play.

Yeah, the one negative of... an off season where you lose Evan Rodriguez is you no longer have someone you can move up and down the lineup and, and fix things.

If there's an injury, like, you know, if Mark, if Brad Marshall, you're like, you have the best top nine in hockey.