Florida Panthers awarded Stanley Cup rings in private ceremony

Star Left Wing Matthew Tkachuk was amazed at the level of detail on the rings. 

"It's incredible. I've never seen a piece of jewelry like this in my entire life," Tkachuk said, via ESPN. "I unfortunately can't keep the Stanley Cup in my possession at all times. But this will remind me of that each and every day, and it's incredible."

Not only were the rings unique, but so too were the ring boxes, which showcase highlights of the Panthers Stanley Cup run on the inside of the lid courtesy of a video screen.

The ceremony was originally scheduled to be open to the public, but with Hurricane Milton's impending landfall, the organization elected to hold the ceremony privately.

There has been plenty to celebrate for a Panthers franchise that claimed its first championship back in June. Before the Panthers open the 2024-25 season against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), they will host their banner ceremony to commemorate their Stanley Cup victory.

Before the focus shifts to the 2024-25 season, the Panthers were able to soak the moment in once more at their private ceremony. For head coach Paul Maurice, it took him 30 years to win a Stanley Cup championship ring. Star players like goal and points leader Sam Reinhart, assist leader Tkachuk and team captain Aleksander Barkov were able to relive those winning moments once more with their teammates. 

Center Sam Bennett, who recorded 20 goals and 21 assists during the 2023-24 championship season, summed it up best at the ceremony.

"To get this ring, this is the cherry on top," Bennett said. "It's a great way to start the new season."