For professional hockey players, back-to-back Stanley Cup victories represent the ultimate achievement. Gustav Forsling and his Florida Panthers teammates currently find themselves in this enviable position, having captured consecutive championships.
Forsling and the Panthers claimed their second straight Stanley Cup title following another series victory over the Edmonton Oilers in front of their home crowd at Amerant Bank Arena. However, a recent ranking has sparked controversy among Panthers fans who believe their defensive star isn’t getting the recognition he deserves.
How Did Fans React to Gustav Forsling Being Ranked 15th Amongst NHL Defensemen?
NHL Network recently released its ranking of the top 20 defensemen in the NHL, placing Forsling at No. 15 overall.
The placement immediately triggered passionate responses from Panthers fans, many of whom viewed the ranking as dangerously underrated for a player of Forsling’s caliber and recent accomplishments.
One fan believed his ranking to be disrespectful, stating, “Gustav Forsling isn’t only underrated, he is also highly disrespected.”
gustav forsling isn’t only underrated, he is also highly disrespected https://t.co/gp37e6Oim5
— an 🫧 (@_catsnrats) August 19, 2025
Speaking of disrespect, this fan felt Forsling was a victim of it and they wrote “How could u do my Back-To-Back Stanley Cup Champion GOAT Gustav Forsling, who consistently shut down his opponent’s best players, like that. Very disrespectful of you.”
How could u do my Back-To-Back Stanley Cup Champion GOAT Gustav Forsling, who consistently shut down his opponent’s best players, like that. Very disrespectful of you
— Nick (@nickeverynight) August 19, 2025
Another fan said: “Gustav forsling is better than half of the players in front of him at this stage lmao”
Gustav forsling is better than half of the players in front of him at this stage lmao
— Bryan (@Metalpanthers) August 19, 2025
One fan questioned whether the creator of the list watched Forsling’s performance in the Stanley Cup Final, “Gustav Forsling #15? Yeah you guys don’t watch hockey and have missed the last 2 Stanley Cup Finals”
Gustav Forsling #15? Yeah you guys don't watch hockey and have missed the last 2 Stanley Cup Finals
— Brendan Taylor (TRU SCHOOL SPORTS) (@TruSchoolSports) August 18, 2025
Still, another fan questioned the integrity of the list by asking, “Gustav Forsling at 15 after being the back-to-back reigning champ (3 straight finals appearances) and being the best dman on the team…. What?”
Gustav forsling at 15 after being the back to back reigning champ (3 straight finals appearance) and being the best dman on the team…. What?
— Reginald Dickery (@bearsfanburner) August 18, 2025
Finally, this fan had choice words for the makers of the list, saying, “Gustav Forsling at 15, idiots.”
How Did Gustav Forsling Become Essential to Florida’s Championship Success?
Forsling’s journey to becoming an invaluable Panthers defenseman began when the franchise claimed him off waivers before the 2020-21 NHL season. The Carolina Hurricanes had waived him after acquiring him from the Chicago Blackhawks.
He earned a three-year contract extension after proving his worth to the Panthers organization. His continued excellence eventually led to a long-term eight-year, $46 million extension that keeps him in Florida through the prime championship window.
During the most recent season with Florida, Forsling contributed 11 goals and 20 assists across 80 regular-season games. He followed that performance by adding one goal and four assists in 23 postseason games, helping the Panthers capture their second consecutive championship.
The Panthers have secured their championship core for the long term through multiple contract extensions of critical players, including Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. This commitment ensures all key contributors remain under contract through at least 2030.
That impressive roster includes Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Anton Lundell. With the Stanley Cup currently residing in Florida, the Panthers have positioned themselves to remain championship contenders for the foreseeable future.
