Gustav Forsling Has Been the Panthers’ Greatest Waiver Claim – The Hockey Writers – Florida Panthers

On Jan 9, 2021, the Florida Panthers claimed Gustav Forsling off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes. Waiver additions often end up as depth pieces or minimal contributors to a team, but the Panthers’ front office was able to make an acquisition that far exceeded the typical waiver claim. In Forsling, the Panthers got a defenseman who came to define their Cup era. 

Before his NHL debut, Forsling appeared in two World Junior tournaments for his native Sweden and played for Linköpings HC in both the Swedish junior league and the Swedish Hockey League. He was drafted in the fifth round, 126th overall, by the Vancouver Canucks, and remained in Sweden before he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for Adam Clendening. As an NHLer prior to landing with the Panthers, he played a total of 122 games and registered 27 points. Before making his way to South Florida, he struggled to become a full-time NHLer with stints with the Blackhawks, Rockford IceHogs, and Charlotte Checkers. Even as an American Hockey League player, he failed to hit the heights of success as an offensive player or to the team success he’d eventually reach with the Panthers.

Offensive Ability

Forsling, a defense-first blueliner who can showcase his offensive ability in important game, flourished in the Panthers’ system and has become a full-time player. He has recorded 193 points in 435 regular-season games over five and a half seasons with the club, and 31 points in 84 playoff games to date. In the 2023-2024 playoff run to the Stanley Cup, he was the leading point getter amongst Panthers defenders and was eighth on the team overall in points. He registered an expected goals rate of five or more in each of his full seasons with the Panthers.

Defensive Ability

Forsling helped secure the team’s three-straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and two championships by logging 23 minutes or more per game in each playoff run of 20 games or more. He was also the NHL’s plus/minus leader in 2023-2024, finishing with a plus-56 rating. His plus/minus is the highest single-season total amongst defensemen in the post-lockout era.

He also registered more than 100 shot blocks in two different campaigns as a member of the Panthers. In each full season he’s played, he’s had 15 percent or higher defensive zone starts while also registering 20 or more takeaways in each of his seasons of 70 or more games. 

International Success

Forsling has represented his country at the highest level of international hockey. He represented Sweden at both the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal and Boston and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. He played a key role for his native Sweden in both tournaments as a high-end blueliner aiming to defend against the best in the world and add offensive contribution. He was even amongst the first six named to Sweden for the 4 Nations Face-Off during the tournament’s roster announcement on June 28. Across those two tournaments, he appeared in eight games and registered two points.

Awards and Accolades

Forsling finished ninth in James Norris Memorial Trophy voting in the 2023-2024 campaign and 13th in voting last season. In addition to his Norris nominations, he received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, placing 23rd in the 2024-2025 season. That is a long way for a waiver pickup, and the organization deserves credit for identifying his talent and integrating him into their organization and structure. 

Forsling was rewarded for his play with an eight-year, $46 million contract extension in March 2024. That cap hit of $5.75 million places him 166th in the NHL on an annual average value basis. The value of that deal for what Forsling has provided is an excellent piece of business by the Panthers front office and a move to be envied for years to come. It also leaves no question that he is one of the best waiver claims of all time.