Home » Sports » NHL » Florida Panthers

History of the Florida Panthers Captains

If you find yourself wearing a big “C” on your sweater, you can assume that you have reached the pinnacle of individual hockey success. Being named team captain is an…

By THW Archives · The Hockey Writers

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 3:37 PM

Key Things to Know

The Florida Panthers have featured ten captains throughout franchise history, beginning with Brian Skrudland in 1993.
Aleksander Barkov was named captain in September 2018 and led Florida to its first Stanley Cup in 2024.
Scott Mellanby, captain from 1997 to 2001, scored the first goal in franchise history and started the 'Rat Trick' tradition.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Florida Panthers have named ten captains across franchise history, beginning with inaugural captain Brian Skrudland in 1993 and currently featuring Aleksander Barkov. Notable leaders over the years include Scott Mellanby, who sparked the iconic "Rat Trick" tradition, and co-captains Pavel Bure and Paul Laus during the 2001-02 season.

Subsequent captains included Olli Jokinen, Bryan McCabe, Ed Jovanovski, Willie Mitchell, and Derek MacKenzie. Barkov was appointed captain on September 17, 2018, later leading the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 2024 and becoming the franchise's all-time points leader.

Read the full article on The Hockey Writers

History of the Florida Panthers Captains

More Florida Panthers News

Never Miss a Sports Update