With anticipation at a peak, the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers prepare for a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final rematch. Beyond the on-ice drama, the series offers a chance to witness one of hockey’s most cherished traditions: the captain handing the Cup to a teammate whose personal journey defines perseverance.
Few moments embody this better than the iconic scene in 2001, when Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic received the Stanley Cup—but instead of lifting it first, he immediately passed it to veteran defenseman Ray Bourque. After a 22-season career without a title, Bourque’s emotional celebration became one of the most memorable in NHL history.
That spirit continued last season, when Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov handed the Cup first to goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who had silenced years of contract-related criticism with a dominant postseason.
As this rematch unfolds, the focus shifts to those players on both sides whose performances and personal journeys may set the stage for the next unforgettable Cup handoff.
Enduring Loyalty in Edmonton
Few players embody perseverance with one team quite like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers’ longest-tenured player. He is the last remaining link to the franchise’s “decade of darkness,” a period from 2007 to 2016 when the team missed the playoffs for ten straight years.
Selected first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, Nugent-Hopkins made his debut in the 2011-12 season and has remained a core player for 14 years.
He enters the current NHL playoffs Final with five goals and 18 points. While the odds don’t favor him as a frontrunner for MVP, his journey, consistency, and loyalty to his team are noteworthy.
Veteran Pursuit of Glory
Corey Perry brings a unique perspective to the Oilers, being the only player on their roster who has previously won a Stanley Cup, achieving it with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. Despite recent years seeing him move between teams, Perry has consistently been an effective player for contenders. His career has led him to the Final six times, including losses in 2020, 2021, 2022, and the 2024 Final with Edmonton.
Turning 40 in May, Perry has elevated his game during this playoff run, scoring seven goals and adding three assists for 10 points after netting 19 goals in the regular season. As a former Hart Trophy winner, his drive remains evident, and securing a Cup could be a fitting final act for a player who has won nearly every other accolade in hockey.
A Panther’s Foundation
On the Panthers’ side, Aaron Ekblad’s length of tenure is second only to captain Barkov, and together they represent the franchise’s most successful period. Selected first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, a year after Barkov was taken second overall, their arrival marked a turning point for a team that had reached the playoffs just five times in its initial 19 years.
The Panthers are now in their sixth consecutive playoff appearance and have already secured one Stanley Cup banner. Ekblad has played in 809 games for the team, a total surpassed only by Barkov.
However, Ekblad is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the team’s salary cap situation, impacted by the mid-season acquisition of Seth Jones, might prevent his return. A Cup win could provide a poignant final moment for this long-standing defensive anchor.
Newcomer’s Defining Moment
Seth Jones represents another compelling narrative for the Panthers, having arrived ahead of the trade deadline from the Blackhawks. He quickly assumed a significant role on the blue line, leading all Panthers skaters in average ice time at 24:59 per game entering the Final.
Despite being a 12-year veteran, Jones had not appeared in the playoffs since the 2020 bubble tournament and had never advanced beyond the second round in his career. He has contributed offensively with three goals and seven points in the current playoff run.
Proven Edge and Impact
Brad Marchand was another impactful addition for the Panthers at the trade deadline, joining after a surprising last-second move following 16 years with the Boston Bruins. At 37 and facing unrestricted free agency this summer, Marchand was motivated by failing to reach a new contract agreement with his long-time team.
He has played with intensity in the playoffs and delivered in crucial moments, recording four goals and 14 points. Notably, he scored the overtime winner in Game 3 against the Maple Leafs with the Panthers trailing 2-0 in the series. While he previously won a Cup with Boston in 2011, Marchand has swiftly become an important figure for the Panthers and is poised to play a key role if they successfully defend their championship.
Heart and Soul on the Line
As the puck drops on this historic rematch, legacies hang in the balance. Whether it’s a loyal veteran, a midseason acquisition, or a seasoned star chasing one last triumph, the 2025 Stanley Cup Final promises not only high-stakes hockey but the kind of emotional payoff that defines the sport’s greatest moments.
