Not many people would expect a former bat boy for the Milwaukee Brewers to make headlines in the NHL world. But Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has shown time and again that he knows how to build a winning team. His trades and signings of stars like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Montour, Sam Bennett, and Vladimir Tarasenko have all paid off.
Yet, one of his best moves might be picking up a player no one was talking about — Gustav Forsling. What once looked like a low-risk move has now become one of the best success stories in the league.
Forsling’s Long Road to Success
Forsling is now 28 years old and with his fourth NHL team. Today, he’s a key part of Florida’s defense. But his path to this point wasn’t easy. He was first drafted by the Vancouver Canucks but got traded before playing a single game. He spent time in the AHL with Chicago’s Rockford IceHogs, then got traded to the Carolina Hurricanes — who didn’t even include him in their playoff squad during the COVID bubble season.
During the pandemic, Forsling almost gave up on the NHL. “I went back to Sweden and came really close to signing with teams there,” he shared. “Looking back, it was very tough mentally. But I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.”
The Big Break: Picked Up by Florida
In January 2021, during the pandemic, Zito saw Forsling’s name on the waiver wire. With no big commitment needed, he picked him up. It looked like a small move at the time, but it changed everything.
Zito already had an eye on Forsling thanks to Blake Geoffrion, who had watched him play in Rockford. With several coaches and scouts also supporting the move, it was an easy decision. “There were seven yeses, two maybes, and zero noes. So where’s the downside?” Zito said.
Strength, Conditioning, and a New Start
Forsling made the most of his new chance. He trained hard during the pandemic break, focused on his strength, and came back to training camp in top shape. He even won the team’s conditioning contest.
“Now, everyone else is just competing for second,” joked Zito.
Since then, Forsling has become a key part of the Panthers’ defense. He plays over 20 minutes a game, handles tough matchups, and performs well in every situation. When Aaron Ekblad was suspended for 20 games, Forsling stepped up big time, especially alongside new defense partner Seth Jones.
Leading the Way in the Stanley Cup Run
Last season, Forsling led the entire NHL in plus-minus at +56. This year, he continued his strong play with a +33 rating. But his biggest moment came in the playoffs when he led the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup win in history.
He played more minutes than any other Panther and led all Florida defensemen in points, scoring 4 goals and 13 points in 24 playoff games. He was the leader on the blue line when the team needed him most.
Life in Florida and a Bright Future
Off the ice, Forsling has found a home in South Florida. Before becoming a dad, he used to keep a fishing rod in his car and would stop by lakes to fish after practice. Now, with a baby boy at home, he doesn’t do that anymore — but he looks forward to fishing with his son one day.
Forsling recently signed a massive 8-year, $46-million contract with the Panthers. He’s not just a temporary player anymore — he’s part of the team’s future.
“This business is about getting a chance and making the most of it,” Forsling said. “I think I’ve done that.”
Gustav Forsling’s journey is one of patience, hard work, and never giving up. From being traded, sent to the minors, and almost quitting, to becoming a Stanley Cup champion and top defenseman, he’s proven what belief in oneself can achieve. The Florida Panthers gave him a chance, and he made the most of it. Now, he’s one of the NHL’s best — and he’s here to stay.
