Locked On Panthers - Daily Podcast On The Florida Panthers
Talking Florida Panthers and the NHL EVERY DAY with South Florida Native Armando Velez. The Panthers are currently in their longest stretch of reaching the Postseason at six straight seasons, and have now set the example of one of the premiere franchises in the NHL, winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships. Florida has taken advantage of their championship window and with their success, it has seen an increased growth of hockey in South Florida. Armando provides analysis, and brings in a variety of guests, including beat writers and team media. Follow along as the Panthers continue to grow the game of...
GAME DAY! Shoe is on the other foot as the Panthers are the visitors against the champion Hurricanes
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Zach Martin(@OneTrueZach) of Locked On Hurricanes to preview Opening night between the last three Stanley Cup Championship, in an opening night matchup highly anticipated with the two teams meeting in the conference final twice in a three year span. The two discuss the offseason moves each team made, how each feels about their team heading into a new season. Are the Panthers offseason moves enough to dethrone Carolina if they do meet later in the postseason? Lastly, the two chat about what...
SURPRISE CUTS? Cats are closer to putting together their roster with opening night a day away
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with David Dwork(@DavidDwork) to discuss some of the cuts for the Panthers over the weekend as they are on step closer to putting together an opening night roster. Preseason may be done, but is the month of October truly their tryout period with Marchand being out? Is there another signing on the way? The two also chat about a projected salary cap of $127.5M for the 2028-29 season and with most of the core locked up, the Panthers can do some big business...
LOCK: Cole Reinhardt has solidified his spot on the opening night roster!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the Panthers 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in preseason game number three, Cole Reinhardt has increased his chances of making the opening night roster after his performance on Thursday night. We discuss who needs room for improvement and projects who is left to prove themselves for make the roster as opening night is less than a week away. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
ODDS: Aleksander Barkov the likely Selke winner? Paul Maurice to win the Jack Adams?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Kevin Rogers(@RogersPicks) of the Florida Panthers Radio Network and of Locked On Bets to discuss the Panthers offseason, and what their betting odds look like for the team, Tkachuk brothers point totals, and over/unders. Is Aleksander Barkov a slam dunk to win the Selke? Is their rejuvenation from having five-months off a reason to favor them to winning the Atlantic Division? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every...
MACHINE: Despite a shootout loss, Panthers new top line continued to produce!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) break down the Panthers 3-2 shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Preseason game number two. Florida experimenting distributing the minutes more to the Lundell line and giving new guys looks in the shootout. The story of the game was once again the new top line where Brady Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov produced on the scoresheet once again, as Brady scored his third of the preseason and Barkov with his second. Barkov responded just 18 seconds after Carolina tied it after their first...
INSTANT CLICK: Brady Tkachuk's Gordie Howe Hat trick made for a great start his Cats tenure!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to break down the Panthers 6-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, where the biggest story was Brady Tkachuk's instant impact in preseason game number one, completing a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. Matthew Tkachuk was able to set up Brady to tie the game at one on the power play, and had a nice set up to Aleksander Barkov in stride to complete a breakaway goal. Panthers got multi-point efforts from Niko Mikkola and Cole Reinhardt. How much did Reinhardt increase his chances of making...
URGENCY: Brady Tkachuk aware of the need to fit with Barkov early, who fills in for Marchand?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) break down the first day of training camp, how are the players grouped in the split sessions. Brady Tkachuk spoke about the need to fit right away with the training camp being short. Paul Maurice gave a clearer update on Brad Marchand and Jonah Gadjovich and how long each will be out? There's an opening on the third line wing, who was in that spot and are the guys surprised? Panthers open up the preseason against Carolina, we discuss who we are...
CLEAN SLATE! Media Day Recap + A new mission for the Cats with as training camp begins today!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to recap what was said during media day. We give updates on F Brad Marchand and Jonah Gadjovich and what the next steps are for them. The Tkachuk brothers also took the podium to discuss the excitement of playing on the same team, when it hit the brothers that they're now teammates, and how Brady could make Aleksander Barkov better. What did Paul Maurice have to say about having Sam Bennett center the Tkachuk brothers? How much was Barkov missed? It's a new format...
THEY'RE BACK: Panthers return for Media day and the training camp roster has been announced!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to preview media day, as the Panthers are back together in a hockey setting. Bill Zito, Paul Maurice and select players will speak to the general media and give their thoughts on a long offseason and how where their mindset is going into this upcoming season. Panthers have had viral moments coming out of media day, could there be another one? Will Brad Marchand and Jonah Gadjovich start the season? How beneficial will Aleksander Barkov playing in the World Championships be for this year...
RANKINGS: Recapping the biggest storylines of the Panthers offseason, which one tops the list?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to recap all the offseason storylines for the Florida Panthers being 14 days away from playing their first regular season game of the 2026-27 season. We put a wrap on the past season where it felt like there were so many outliers. We reveal fifth to the third biggest storyline in segment number two, and then wrap it up with the two biggest storylines heading into a new season. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers...
THREATS: Ranking the biggest threats in the Atlantic Division for the upcoming season?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to rank the top division threats to the Florida Panthers as they are the favorites to win the division, according to Fanduel. How bad are the vibes in Detroit? Is Tampa Bay's window closing? Is Montreal's just opening? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
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MOVING FORWARD: Panthers are not focused on their two cup victories with newcomer in the mix
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) discuss more of what Brady Tkachuk had to say during the player media tour in Las Vegas, and how the Cats are not resting on their laurels winning two Cups, and still have the bad taste in their mouths of not making the playoffs. Aleksander Barkov spoke about how nervous he was before playing in the World Championships with the major knee injury and how playing games got him ready for this upcoming season. It's been a quarter century since the attacks...
GREAT TIMING: A short training camp combined with a mature Cats group could lead to a fast start
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) discuss how a short training camp is an advantage for the Cats knowing that most of the group has familiarity with one another. The two also chat about Andy Strickland's tweet about Brad Marchand's injury, and saying it with certainty about how long he could possibly be out. Gustav Forsling threw out the first pitch at Tuesday's Marlins game, then was asked about how the informal skates are going, and a full circle moment where he spoke about Radko Gudas being back...
GROWTH: Matthew Tkachuk inaugural hockey celebration was a success. State of the game in SFL.
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss what Matthew Tkachuk has to after putting on his inaugural hockey celebration over the holiday weekend and what the region was like prior to him playing a game with the Panthers. We also discuss the state of the game with the local college scene, a program looking to start up, and the Panthers themselves tapping back into Miami-Dade County to promote the beginning of the season. Lastly, we discuss the response from Brad Marchand's comments last week and if the Senators are...
FIT: Brady Tkachuk was an analytics darling in Ottawa, Matthew often picked Sunny Mehta's brain
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss what Sunny Mehta had to say on the Spittin' Chiclet's Podcast about Matthew Tkachuk picking his brain on advanced stats and how they fit with the Panthers. Brady Tkachuk was a common denominator in the Senators being a great team in the advanced stats last season, which the perception is that he could fit like a glove. Is another assistant GM in the Panthers front office on their way out? Jacob Markstrom joined the Dan LeBatard show and discussed his return to...
TROLL: Brad Marchand online presence noticeable, chirping division rivals over the summer
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss Brad Marchand chirping Senators F Tim Stuzle through social media on the possibility of the Senators naming him the next captain of the team after Brady Tkachuk's departure. Due to possibly a lot of time on his hands recovering from an offseason surgery, is this a sign that he's closer to returning or that he'll be on the shelf for a while to start the season? Amazon Prime Canada released their Wednesday night slate for the 2026-27 season, the Florida Panthers only...
STOCK UP: Sandis Vilmanis was one of the rare bright spots last year, prospect experts have noticed
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) discuss Sandis Vilmanis getting noticed by national prospect expert Corey Pronman and how Vilmanis would likely be a first round pick if there were a re-draft for 2022. One of the few bright spots in the previous season, the guys discuss what were the weirdest things they saw from the season before, but also chat about how they showed their resiliency throughout the year. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team...
WHAT IF...the Panthers used their trade package for Brady Tkachuk instead on Connor Hellebuyck?
On todays edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss ask, what if the Panthers used their trade package for Brady Tkachuk and were able to acquire G Connor Hellebuyck. It was a luxury piece that was a bonus for Cats that only leaves more questions in net. What could have the lineup looked like had the Panthers been able to pull it off? How much of the Tkachuk family influence had to do with the trade crossing the finish line? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of...
NO TURNING BACK: Connor Hellebuyck's public trade request changes nothing for the Panthers
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the latest on Connor Hellebuyck's public trade request, but for the Panthers, it doesn't change a single thing. Florida will have to continue to go with bridge options in goal even after the Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid contracts expire, so who could the Panthers possibly look at down the line via a trade. The Panthers core will only get more expensive once they reach the end of the decade, is there a path to a long-term deal in net? We discuss...
Panthers to be featured in 15 National games + Expansion is coming, what it means for Florida?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) discuss the Panthers having 15 national tv games for the 2026-27 season, and the guys compare themselves to the rest of the league. Which matchups would we have liked to see on the national stage? Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly discuss that NHL expansion could come as soon as 2029, with a team located in either Austin or Houston Texas. Which Panthers could be exposed and left out of the protection list when the time comes? How dependent will that be as it will reach...
NHL 27 rankings are out, who is expected to rise? Panthers ready in case Barkov misses time?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) discuss the NHL 27 individual rankings for the Top 10 Panthers players. Multiple players dropped, but whose ranking will rise as the season goes on? NHL Network and NHL.com released their Top 20 center rankings. Despite Aleskander Barkov missing the entire 2026-27 season, he still made the top 5, only dropping one spot. What do the guys think of this? Barkov has missed multiple stints, but never anything long term like last year. Panthers have faired well in times when he's missed short stints, but...
DIFFERENT DYNAMIC: Rodrigues' flexibility difficult to replace + Development year in Charlotte
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@prudentia0) discusses the dynamic that will be missed with Evan Rodrigues getting traded in the Jacob Markstrom deal. Which two-way Non-Entry level contract will be the most impactful this year? Assuming the Panthers are healthy, the Panthers will have a chance to have a real development year in Charlotte. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
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CONFIRMED: NHL to introduce hometown remix! Which Dman is under most and least pressure in 2026-27?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the NHL announcing each team will be wearing a "hometown remix" sweater for the upcoming season. The Panthers' sweater was supposedly leaked back in May, and if that happens to be the one, we give our opinions on it. Which defensemen are under the most and least amount of pressure coming into the upcoming season? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
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SETBACK: Brad Marchand's start to the season in doubt after undergoing a last minute surgery
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the news heard on Friday morning of Brad Marchand announcing that he received a last-minute procedure before a game honoring former teammate Zdeno Chara. Although we do not know when exactly the video was recorded, there's a chance that Marchand's start to the upcoming season could be in doubt. We discuss what the Panthers signed up for when they signed him to the long six-year deal last offseason, and how the Panthers have a great insurance plan when it came to trading...
DISRESPECT: Gustav Forsling is not in the NHL's Top 20 Defensemen list!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) discuss Gustav Forsling going from the 12th best defensemen last year to not ranked in the top 20. Is that valid. We discuss the report from RG Media that Sergei Bobrovsky was willing to take the AAV and term that Jacob Markstrom is currently on, except wanting a full No-move clause, which was a deal breaker for Bobrovsky's camp. We discuss Jacob Markstrom's previous circumstances where he's had to carry a team vs. his environment helping him out. We discuss all of this...
APPROVED: Sunrise Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the proposed arena district
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the Sunrise City Commissioners voting in favor of Broward County's proposal to turn the Amerant Bank Arena parking lot into an Arena District. We give our thoughts and read what the listeners had to say about the proposal. The Wednesday hosts on Locked On NHL put teams together on who is facing the most pressure to win the Stanley Cup in 2027, where do the Panthers stand? Florida led the league in man games lost to injury, but what has recent history said...
LAND DEVELOPMENT: Will Broward County and Panthers proposal improve or hurt the game day experience?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the proposal from Broward County and the Panthers to make an arena dsitrict around Amerant Bank Arena. We discuss how other sports districts have influenced the Panthers to make one of their own, how we got here, the details of it, and if it will attract fans to visit the area year round as it's an area that is not the busiest in South Florida. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast...
GRADE! What is Florida's grade after their offseason. Are the the league's most improved team?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) give the Panthers their grade for the offseason with now being the halfway point between the end of the Stanley Cup Final and Opening night. The Athletic's fan poll had the Panthers as the move improved team going into this upcoming year, what do the guys think of that? Lightning F Brandon Hagel went on the Cam and Strick Podcast to discuss the rivalry between Tampa Bay and Florida. He had a lot to say about Scott Sabourin getting a contract after...
TRENDS: Tkachuk brothers have influenced trade market. Which tandem will be better, Cats or Canes?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) discuss how four years after Matthew Tkachuk set his own trend in forcing his way out of Calgary, how Brady has set some trends of his own as there's still a few signing's and possible trades yet to happen. Does the opener in Carolina on September 29th more of a statement game for Florida or Carolina? Whose gamble in net will end up paying off better between Florida and Carolina? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the...
RICHES: Three Panthers wingers are in the top 20 at the position, are they properly slotted?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss NHL.com's rankings of their top 20 wingers. Three Florida Panthers find themselves in the top 20. They are one of three teams to have multiple players on the list and one of two teams to have three total. Brady Tkachuk (18th), Sam Reinhart (14th) and Matthew Tkachuk(8th) are part of the Top 20. What did they get righ and wrong? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
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EFFICIENCY: Panthers have dropped in overall contract efficiency rankings, but why?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) to discuss The Athletic's article ranking contract efficiencies across the NHL. Panthers were one time at the top of the league in the rankings, but has fallen as far as eighth. Why is that? We discuss who is still at a surplus and who is not. How are former Panthers efficiencies in their new situations? We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.
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SIGNED: G Akira Schmid and the Panthers avoid arbitration after agreeing to a two-year deal!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the contract extension between the Panthers and RFA G Akira Schmid. Both sides agreed and signed a two-year, $2M AAV deal, that will expire in the 2027-28 season. Both sides avoid arbitration, and the Cats will get one UFA year out of Schmid, meaning their goaltending tandem is locked up for the next two seasons. What does the percentage of what the tandem currently takes up compare to years past? What could today's tandem price be in two years when the Cats...
COMPARE & CONTRAST: Four year since Florida traded for Matthew Tkachuk, Brady less of a load in SFL
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) discuss the four year anniversary of the Matthew Tkachuk trade to the Panthers. With Brady now in the mix, the two are gonna compare and contrast the two players' games, as well as going into higher detail when they say how Brady Tkachuk does not have to carry the load in Florida like he did with the Ottawa Senators. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast: Your Team, Every Day.<...
GRACEFULLY AGING? Panthers could become the oldest team ever to win the Cup? Schedule Disadvantages?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the news coming out of South Florida that Equipment Manager Teddy Richards was arrested on Friday for multiple charges of Domestic violence and misuse of 911 services. The Panthers have suspended him from the team and all facilities until an investigation is completed. We discussed schedule advantages for the Panthers, but what about the disadvantages? The Panthers are the second oldest team in the NHL by average age. Could they become the oldest team by average age to win the Stanley Cup? We...
SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN: Panthers Notable returns, rivalry games, lack of division games down the stretch
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) and Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) break down the Panthers 84-game schedule. Panthers will play 10 of their first 13 games on the road, and the schedule leak from earlier in the week was in fact, accurate. Panthers have long home stands during late December and post trade deadline. Outside of Christmas and the All-Star game, no gaps of more than three days without a game. The two also discuss multiple returns for the Panthers who are new to the roster and the ones who recently departed. Alexander Ovechkin's last...
BOX OFFICE: Cats to be part of banner raising in Raleigh & more openers! Home schedule leaked!?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to break down the Panthers being part of five opening nights across the NHL to begin the season, and it includes the banner raising night in Raleigh for the defending champion Carolina Hurricanes. A rejuvenated Panthers group is looking to start off the season strong, especially because it's expected to be road heavy, with being the road team for three other home openers in California (San Jose, Anaheim and LA in that order). Florida will be the last team to play their first home...
DATE SET: Schmid's Arbitration hearing case is set. Forward's with most & least pressure in 2026-27?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to discuss the official date of RFA G Akira Schmid's arbitration case. Panthers and Schmid have time to agree on a new deal knowing that their case will be the last one of the thirteen remaining cases (two were agreed and signed upon prior to the recording). We also discuss who has the most amount of pressure to perform in 2026-27, and who has the least amount. We discuss all of this and more on today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast...
HIT SQUAD: Cats will be the most physical team, and will spend the most time in the penalty box
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Nich Fairbanks(@Prudentia0) for another edition of Fairbanks Friday. The two discuss the Panthers having the ultimate hit squad with Garnet Hathaway, Brady Tkachuk and Radko Gudas being in the top three in hits since the start of the 2021 season. With the physicality, means that the Panthers will be in the penalty box quite a lot. The units on paper have the look of one that could be towards the top of the NHL in PK percentage. Who will benefit from not having...
DISTRACTION? Brady Tkachuk's former teammates in Ottawa felt Wingmen was a distraction!
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here with Jacob Winans(@JakeW_8) for another edition of Winans Wednesday. The two discuss the latest report of Brady Tkachuk's former teammates finding the Wingmen Podcast that the Tkachuk brothers are a part as a distraction during Ottawa's up-and-down season. Lars Eller spoke to the media on Monday and discussed his fit with the Panthers and how he feels that he'll get adjusted quickly thanks to the team culture. Lastly, the fourth lines could be the best and most versatile fourth line that the Panthers...
ARBITRATION: RFA G Akira Schmid files, what does this mean for the Panthers salary cap?
On today's edition of the Locked On FLORIDA Panthers Podcast, Armando Velez(@Mandoman12) is here to give you the news on RFA G Akira Schmid filing for salar arbitration. What's the number that the Panthers could afford. The Panthers will not have the flexibility to make a big splash at the trade deadline, but Schmid's potential earning's on his next deal could damper a possibility even more, which we see why the Panthers went for as many one-way deals as they have. An offer sheet that was signed this year has set a new record and a new highest...
