The Florida Panthers history showcases the growth of one of the NHL’s youngest yet most exciting teams. Established in 1993, the franchise quickly earned respect with its fierce playing style and passionate fan base. Known for thrilling games, Florida Panthers hockey continues to bring energy, skill, and determination to the ice while building a proud legacy.
Established
1993
City
Miami
League History
1993 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1993 – Present / Florida Panthers
Nickname
Panthers—The Florida Panthers are a professional National Hockey League (NHL) hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida. The franchise was founded in 1993 and has had its ups and downs, but it has become essential to South Florida’s sports landscape.
Florida Panthers Origin
One thing that many people don’t know about this NHL franchise is where their nickname comes from. In 1992, Wayne Huizenga purchased an expansion team to be located in Miami-Dade County with plans to name it after a local animal species native to South Florida.
After much research and debate, he settled on “Panthers” because panthers are unique animals found only in certain parts of the southern United States—particularly near his new home base for the hockey club!
Huizenga also wanted something representing strength and agility – two traits associated with these powerful cats – so he chose “Florida Panthers” as his official moniker for his newest venture into professional sports ownership.
It wasn't until later that fans began referring affectionately to their beloved ice warriors as "the Cats" or "the Rat Pack." Still, either way you look at it - there's no denying that having such strong ties between nature & sport makes this one truly special NHL franchise!
Championship
Stanley Cup 2
2025, 2024
Arena
2013 – Present / BB&T Cente
2005 – 2012 / BankAtlantic Center
2002 – 2005 / Office Depot Center
1998 – 2002 / National Car Rental Center
1998 / Broward County Civic Arena
1993 – 1998 / Miami Arena
Owner
2009 – Present / Sunrise Sports & Entertainment
2001 – 2009 / Alan Cohen and Bernie Kosar
1993 – 2001 / Wayne Huizenga
- 1993
- 1998
- 2013
- 2024
- 2025
Florida Panthers Team Formation
Blockbuster Video magnate Wayne Huizenga was awarded an NHL franchise for Miami on December 10, 1992, the same day The Walt Disney Company earned the right to start a team in Anaheim. The entry fee was $50 million, but despite fellow Florida team Tampa Bay Lightning starting to play the year before, the league did not consider to be any ...
National Car Rental Center Opens
In 1992, Wayne Huizenga obtained a new NHL franchise that would eventually become the Florida Panthers. Until the team had an arena of their own, they initially played at the now-demolished Miami Arena, sharing the venue with the NBA’s Miami Heat. Sunrise City Manager Pat Salerno made public a $167-million financing and construction plan for a civic center near the ...
Sunrise Sports & Entertainment
Despite media reports saying Vincent Viola paid between $230 million and $250 million for the Panthers, operating rights to the BB&T Center and other Sunrise Sports & Entertainment entities in 2013, the West Point graduate actually paid an enterprise value of closer to $160 million. With the Panthers hampered by low attendance, Viola and his partner, Doug Cifu, have said ...
The Florida Panthers won their first ever Stanley Cup in their 30th season.
The 2024 Stanley Cup Finals was a thrilling series between the Eastern Conference champion Florida Panthers and the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers, in their 30th season, were looking for their first-ever Stanley Cup victory, while the Oilers, making their eighth Finals appearance, were hoping to add to their five previous championships. The series went down to the ...
Panthers Seal Second Straight Stanley Cup in Style
The Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4–2, capped by a 5–1 Game 6 win on June 17, 2025. Sam Reinhart scored four goals in the finale, while Sam Bennett led the playoffs with 15 goals and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy. Known for their aggressive “dirt bag hockey” style, the Panthers combined ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Florida Panthers History
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. Since their establishment as an NHL expansion franchise in 1993, they have become a vital part of the league’s landscape. Playing their home games at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, they remain the southernmost team in the NHL. The team’s intense rivalry with the Tampa Bay Lightning has helped define the exciting brand of Florida Panthers hockey for decades.
The franchise’s inaugural season in 1993–94 signaled the start of a new chapter in the NHL. Led by goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, rookie Rob Niedermayer, and forward Scott Mellanby, the Panthers immediately impressed. Their first game ended in a 4–4 tie against the Chicago Blackhawks, while their first win was a 2–0 shutout of the Tampa Bay Lightning before a then-record crowd of 27,227. This strong debut helped cement the Florida Panthers history as one of the most successful starts for an expansion team.
Throughout their history, the Panthers have faced both milestones and challenges. A lengthy postseason drought between 2000–01 and 2010–11 saw the team finish between third and fifth place in its division. However, the 2011–12 season ended with the Panthers capturing their first division title. After posting the worst record in the NHL during the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, they bounced back to secure another division title in 2015–16, showcasing the resilience of Florida Panthers hockey.
The franchise has also seen major player moves that shaped the Florida Panthers history, including the infamous trade involving goaltender Roberto Luongo. Luongo, at the peak of his career, was traded for Todd Bertuzzi, who played only a few games for Florida before injury struck. Despite such setbacks, the team’s management has continuously sought ways to improve its roster and stay competitive.
Panthers Achievements
The Florida Panthers hockey legacy reached its greatest achievement in 2024 when the team clinched its first Stanley Cup championship. This victory marked a defining moment in the Florida Panthers history, bringing immense pride to fans and establishing the franchise as a true contender on the NHL stage. With this milestone, the Panthers demonstrated that perseverance and strategic building can lead to ultimate success.
Today, the Florida Panthers hockey tradition is stronger than ever. With a passionate fan base, a core of talented players, and a reputation for thrilling games, the team continues to write new chapters in its storied history. Their resilience, community impact, and on-ice achievements ensure that the Florida Panthers history remains one of the most remarkable stories in the National Hockey League.
Retired Number
1 / Roberto Luongo
37 / Wayne Huizenga
93 / Bill Torrey
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history