Carter Verhaeghe, a key offensive contributor for the Florida Panthers, had a somewhat underwhelming 2024–25 NHL regular season by his standards, recording 20 goals and 53 points. While those numbers may not seem disastrous on the surface, they represent a significant dip from his performance in previous years, especially for a player known for his ability to light the lamp when it matters most. The Florida Panthers are certainly hoping that a positive shift in shooting luck — commonly known in hockey analytics as “positive shooting regression” — will help Verhaeghe bounce back in a big way in the upcoming season.
A Sharp Decline in Shooting Efficiency
Verhaeghe’s most noticeable statistical decline came in his shooting percentage, which dropped to a career-low 8.3%. That’s a significant fall from the 15.3% and 13.8% shooting percentages he posted in the two prior seasons when he scored 42 and 36 goals respectively. In addition to being less efficient with his shots, Verhaeghe also attempted fewer shots overall, posting his lowest average shots on goal in three seasons.
Despite these figures, Verhaeghe’s overall impact remained valuable. He was still able to contribute over 50 points and was a consistent presence on the ice. However, for a player of his caliber — one who was recently extended as part of the Panthers’ core group — the expectation is that he can and should produce more offensively.
Signs of Life in the Playoffs
Interestingly, Verhaeghe showed signs of returning to form during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although he only registered 52 shots in 23 postseason games, his shooting percentage during that stretch rebounded closer to his usual average. While his volume wasn’t ideal, the accuracy of his attempts improved — a potential sign that his regular season woes were more a product of poor puck luck than any significant decline in skill or effort.
The playoffs also reminded fans and analysts alike why Verhaeghe is considered one of the Panthers’ most clutch scorers. He has a reputation for delivering in key moments and thrives when the stakes are high. At his best, Verhaeghe is aggressive in attacking high-danger areas in the offensive zone and isn’t afraid to shoot from tight angles or through traffic — characteristics that make him such a valuable weapon.
Increased Opportunities Ahead
The upcoming season may present Verhaeghe with an opportunity to reassert himself as one of the NHL’s premier secondary scorers. With star forward Matthew Tkachuk expected to miss significant time at the start of the season due to injury, the door is open for Verhaeghe to take on a larger role — possibly even on the Panthers’ top power-play unit.
Of course, Verhaeghe will face competition for that coveted spot. Players like Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett will likely be in the mix for top-unit minutes. Still, Verhaeghe’s shooting talent and previous goal-scoring pedigree make him a strong candidate. If he can secure regular power-play time, it could lead to a resurgence in both shooting volume and efficiency.
In addition to potential power-play time, Verhaeghe is expected to play at even strength alongside two of the Panthers’ most skilled forwards: Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. This elite pairing should help create more quality scoring chances for Verhaeghe, as both players are known for their vision, passing, and ability to draw defensive attention. Simply put, Verhaeghe will be in a prime position to succeed if he’s healthy and focused.
Mental Toughness and Scoring Mentality
Beyond the numbers, Verhaeghe’s mindset and determination are critical components of his game. According to teammate Aaron Ekblad, Verhaeghe is relentless in his pursuit of scoring goals. He is known for constantly evaluating his performance, often seen studying plays on an iPad between shifts and engaging in deep self-reflection during games. Ekblad notes that Verhaeghe frequently talks to himself on the bench — a sign of just how intensely he thinks about scoring and improving his game.
This type of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed by teammates or coaches. It’s part of what makes Verhaeghe a respected leader and a player the Panthers trust in critical moments. His internal drive, coupled with his natural scoring instincts, makes him one of the most intriguing bounce-back candidates heading into the new season.
A Proven Goal Scorer Ready for a Rebound
The context of Verhaeghe’s recent decline also matters. Shooting slumps happen, even to elite players, and they often normalize over time. Statistically, players who shoot as much as Verhaeghe — and from dangerous areas of the ice — are more likely to experience positive regression. That means, all other things being equal, his shooting percentage should trend back toward his career average as long as he maintains a high shot volume and continues to get into scoring positions.
In the Panthers’ offensive system, Verhaeghe is encouraged to shoot often and create chaos in front of the net. As long as he maintains his aggressive style and benefits from a bit more puck luck, it’s reasonable to expect his production to climb back toward the 35–40 goal range. And with Tkachuk’s absence creating a potential vacuum in scoring, the timing couldn’t be better for Verhaeghe to step up.
Looking Ahead
All signs point to a crucial season ahead for Carter Verhaeghe. With several seasons of high-end production already under his belt and an unwavering mindset focused on improvement, Verhaeghe has both the track record and the opportunity to reclaim his status as one of the Panthers’ top scorers.
The Florida Panthers are betting on it. They know that if Verhaeghe returns to form, their offensive depth becomes even more dangerous — especially as they try to navigate a tough start to the season without one of their superstars. With strong linemates, more ice time, and a bit of good fortune, Verhaeghe could very well find himself back in the headlines for all the right reasons.
In short, don’t be surprised if Carter Verhaeghe lights the lamp early and often in 2025–26. The numbers say he’s due, and his mindset says he’s ready.
