BREAKING: Florida Panthers No.1 Top-Rated player J. Scourdif Signs on a Dotted 4-Year Contract Deal with…
BREAKING: Florida Panthers No. 1 Top-Rated Player Justin Sourdif Signs Four-Year Contract Extension Worth $18.4 Million
Sunrise, FL — June 18, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that underscores their long-term vision and commitment to nurturing elite homegrown talent, the Florida Panthers have officially inked a massive four-year contract extension with their top-rated young star, Justin Sourdif. The deal, reportedly worth $18.4 million, will keep the 22-year-old forward in Sunrise through the 2028-29 NHL season, averaging $4.6 million annually.
The Panthers confirmed the signing via a press release on Wednesday morning, shortly after NHL insider Frank Seravalli first broke the news late Tuesday night. The agreement marks a pivotal moment for both Sourdif and the franchise as they look to build on the team’s recent success and sustain momentum deep into the decade.
A Rising Star in the Sunshine State
Selected 87th overall in the third round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Sourdif has steadily climbed the ranks within the Panthers’ organization. After a dominant junior career with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL and a strong transition into professional hockey with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL affiliate of the Panthers), Sourdif broke into the NHL full-time during the 2023-24 season.
By the midpoint of the 2024-25 campaign, Sourdif had emerged as a cornerstone piece in the Panthers’ top six forward group, showcasing a rare blend of skill, grit, and hockey IQ well beyond his years. He finished the regular season with a career-high 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in 76 games, drawing comparisons to elite two-way forwards such as Patrice Bergeron and Elias Lindholm.
Panthers GM Bill Zito on the Signing
Speaking to reporters after the deal was finalized, Panthers General Manager Bill Zito expressed his excitement and confidence in Sourdif’s future with the franchise.
> “Justin is everything we want our players to be — hardworking, competitive, and committed to winning,” said Zito. “He’s earned this contract through his performance, his maturity, and his desire to constantly improve. We believe he will play a key role in our pursuit of a Stanley Cup, not just now but for years to come.”
Zito emphasized that this extension is not merely a reward for past performance but a strategic investment in the Panthers’ long-term core, which already features stars like Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad.
Sourdif’s Reaction: “Florida is Home”
In his first public statement since the signing, Sourdif expressed both gratitude and determination.
> “This organization believed in me from day one, and I’m incredibly thankful for the trust they’ve shown,” Sourdif said during a video call with media. “Florida is home now. I love this team, this city, and our fans. I’m not just signing a contract — I’m committing to help bring a Stanley Cup to South Florida.”
The young forward credited veterans like Barkov and Tkachuk for helping him grow on and off the ice and said he’s excited to take on a bigger leadership role moving forward.
Season Recap: Sourdif’s Breakout Year
Justin Sourdif’s 2024-25 season was a revelation. After an impressive training camp, he made the opening night roster and never looked back. Slotted initially on the third line, his relentless forechecking and clutch scoring quickly earned him a promotion to the second line, and later frequent minutes alongside Barkov.
He tallied five game-winning goals, maintained a +17 plus/minus, and averaged 17:52 time on ice, including special teams duty. His faceoff win rate improved to 53.4%, a testament to his growing versatility. His performance in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he notched 10 points in 13 games, solidified his status as a budding star.
NHL Reaction and League-Wide Buzz
The news of Sourdif’s contract reverberated across the NHL community, with fans, analysts, and fellow players weighing in.
> “Smart move by the Panthers. He’s a gamer. Big future ahead,” tweeted ESPN NHL analyst Kevin Weekes.
On NHL Network, former Panther Roberto Luongo, now a special advisor for the team, praised the deal:
> “You don’t often see this level of maturity and poise in someone his age. He’s got ‘future captain’ written all over him.”
Even rival GMs reportedly took note, with one anonymous executive telling The Athletic, “Florida just locked up one of the most underrated talents in the league at a bargain.”
What It Means for the Panthers’ Future
This signing is the latest in a series of strategic extensions by the Panthers’ front office, reinforcing their identity as a serious Stanley Cup contender. With Sourdif now under contract through 2029, Florida boasts one of the league’s most stable and talented cores.
The team also enjoys salary cap flexibility thanks to early investments and savvy trades. With the NHL’s salary cap expected to rise significantly in the coming seasons, Sourdif’s $4.6 million AAV could soon look like a steal.
A Message to the Fans
Panthers owner Vincent Viola released a brief statement celebrating the deal and thanking fans for their loyalty.
> “This franchise is built on passion, perseverance, and pride — and Justin embodies all three. To our fans: the future is bright. We are not just building a team; we are building a legacy.”
Contract Details Breakdown
Player: Justin Sourdif
Team: Florida Panthers
Contract Length: 4 years (2025–2029)
Total Value: $18.4 million
Average Annual Value (AAV): $4.6 million
Performance Bonuses: Up to $2 million per year in incentives
No-Trade Clause: Partial NTC begins in 2027
Signing Bonus: $2 million upfront
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 NHL Draft around the corner and free agency looming, the Panthers’ proactive extension of Justin Sourdif sends a clear message to the league — they’re all-in on continuity, chemistry, and chasing greatness.
As fans in Sunrise prepare for another exciting season of Panthers hockey, one thing is certain: Justin Sourdif isn’t just the future of the Florida Panthers — he is the present.
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