If there was a name that needed more attention, it is forward Mackie Samoskevich. Coming into the 2023-24 American Hockey League (AHL) Season for the Charlotte Checkers, there were some questions about who would step up this campaign. Outside of the regulars of Lucas Carlsson, Zac Dalpe, Gerry Mayhew, etc., people wondered who could make noise this season. After 44 games into the season, it is clear that it is the Newtown, CT product.
Samoskevich Growing His Game
The 24th overall pick by the Florida Panthers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft has made his presence known this season in Charlotte. Is his first full pro season, Samoskevich has tallied 15 goals, and 21 assists for 36 points. All of those offensive totals are second on the Checkers only behind defenseman Lucas Carlsson. He has been a pivotal player for Charlotte this season as they are in the middle of a Calder Cup Playoff hunt. The Panthers’ top prospect has been known to be a playmaker his whole career dating back to the Chicago Steel.
While with the Steel, he tallied 71 points in 83 career games spanning from 2019-20 and 2020-21. He respectively had 34 and 37 points in each of those two seasons. Samoskevich scored 13 goals each in both of those seasons while tallying 21 and then 24 assists in the process. While in the playoffs in 2020-21 as the alternate captain, he had 10 points in eight games for the Steel. Nine of those 10 points were assists showing his ability to make plays for teammates.
Even while attending the University of Michigan from 2021-22 to 2022-23, he grew as a goal scorer while still being an overall playmaker. In his first season with the Wolverines, he had 10 goals and 29 points in 40 games. Going from the United States Hockey League (USHL) to the NCAA is a big step for anyone. He followed his first season up with an explosion of points. In the 2022-23 season, he went up to 20 goals and 43 points in 39 games. Samoskevich in one season saw his goal total go up by 10 while seeing an 11-point increase. That is what the Panthers really wanted to see in their 24th overall pick before going pro.
Making His Presence Felt in the Queen City
As mentioned before, Samoskevich has been making some noise in his rookie season with the Charlotte Checkers this season. He has managed to keep himself in the top three on the team in all offensive categories while missing eight games due to being in the NHL. He has been called up a couple of times and has played in seven games for the Panthers, with no points as of yet. However, he has caught the attention of head coach Paul Maurice. Per David Dwork of The Hockey News, Maurice said, “I talked to (Panthers General Manager) Bill (Zito) about 10 days ago I said I’d like to see Samoskevich with Lundell and Luostarinen at some point possibly before the (All-Star) break, so I wanted to see it tonight.”
There is a good indication that the Panthers’ top prospect might get more time with the big club sooner rather than later. That makes sense since head coach Geordie Kinnear has been a coach who can develop guys really well. Plus he knows how to put guys in places to succeed which is what NHL teams want to see in their AHL affiliates to help grow up for the next level.
Calder Cup Playoff Picture
There is a good chance Samoskevich might see the rest of the season in Charlotte which would not be a bad thing. Currently, the Checkers have 19 games in their regular season before the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. The magic number for them to clinch a spot is right now at 34 points. That does not mean they have to 34 points, the Checkers just need to win games while the 7th-place team in the Atlantic Divison needs to lose.
As of right now, they are nine points ahead of the 7th-place Lehigh Valley Phantoms who have 51 points. The Checkers right now have 60 points. What helps is that 6th-place Springfield Thunderbirds have 55 points so that gives a cushion for Charlotte.
If Samoskevich is able to finish the season in Charlotte, he and the rest of the team have a shot at making another Calder Cup appearance. What could make the rune more interesting is if he can finish the season with 50 points. Samoskevich is only 14 points away with 19 games left. While it might be a close finish to that total, there is still a chance in his rookie season. Another possible storyline to keep an eye on for the Connecticut product making himself a name in the Queen City.
