A classy move made by the organization for a former Florida Panther
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Jonathan Ouimet
Jan 8, 2026 (3:59 PM)
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers, Zac Dalpe, Stanley Cup ring, Thursday suddenly felt personal.
The Panthers put it out plainly on social, a thank you and a shiny reminder that not every championship story is told on a scoresheet.
They said they presented Dalpe with a Stanley Cup Championship ring in recognition of his impact and contributions to the organization's growth.
That kind of gesture always lands with fans, because it admits the obvious truth, titles are built by more than the 20 names you see in warmups.
Dalpe is the classic example of a pro who keeps the machine running, steady in practice, steady in the room, steady when the kids need someone to copy.
Florida Panthers honor Zac Dalpe with ring
As a fan, I love that the team remembered the grinder who made the daily work feel serious, even when he was not in the spotlight.
Dalpe is 36, a 2008 second-round pick, 45th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes, and he carved out an NHL life the hard way. Hockey-Reference has him at 168 career NHL games, and that number reads like persistence more than a lucky break.
In Florida, his role was never flashy, but it mattered, and he even got into 14 NHL games with the Panthers in 2022-23.
The ring itself fits the Panthers' new standard, with the team describing a 14-karat white and yellow gold design and over 450 diamonds in their championship build.
That is why this Dalpe moment works, it is less about jewelry and more about the message inside the room. If Florida keeps stacking seasons like this, expect more thank yous that make the fanbase smile.
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