Gustav Forsling and his Florida Panthers teammates have recently celebrated back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, a rare accomplishment in professional hockey. However, despite these achievements, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/hockey/nhl/”>NHL Network’s recent ranking placed Forsling at only 15th among NHL defensemen, a decision that sparked intense backlash from fans questioning the recognition of his contributions.

The Panthers secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers before a lively home crowd at Amerant Bank Arena. Nevertheless, many Panthers supporters believe Forsling’s ranking undervalues his role as a key defensive player during these successful campaigns.

Fans took to social media to voice their displeasure. One supporter commented,

Gustav Forsling isn’t only underrated, he is also highly disrespected.

Another remarked on the disrespect inherent in this ranking, emphasizing Forsling’s consistent defensive excellence:

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)

Others challenged the list’s credibility, with one fan stating:

Gustav Forsling is better than half of the players in front of him at this stage lmao.

There was also skepticism about whether the ranking’s creators had recently observed Forsling’s performance during the Stanley Cup Finals:

Gustav Forsling #15? Yeah you guys don’t watch hockey and have missed the last 2 Stanley Cup Finals.

Another critical voice questioned the integrity of placing Forsling so low despite his accomplishments:

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)

One comment simply dismissed the ranking, saying, Gustav Forsling at 15, idiots.

Forsling’s Key Role in Florida Panthers’ Championship Era

Gustav Forsling’s rise to becoming an essential player for the Florida Panthers began after the 2020-21 NHL season, when Florida claimed him off waivers from the Carolina Hurricanes, who themselves had previously acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks. Since joining the Panthers, Forsling has steadily established himself as a cornerstone of their defense.

Following his impressive performance, Forsling secured a three-year contract extension with the Panthers. His continued impact earned him a long-term eight-year contract worth $46 million, designed to keep him within Florida’s core during their prime championship window.

In the most recent regular season, Forsling appeared in 80 games, recording 11 goals and 20 assists. He continued this strong showing in the playoffs, adding one goal and four assists across 23 postseason games as the Panthers clinched their second straight Stanley Cup.

Florida has reinforced its championship core by extending contracts with other pivotal players such as Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, ensuring that key contributors remain with the team through at least 2030. This roster also features stars like Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Anton Lundell, creating a formidable lineup that maintains the Panthers’ status as serious contenders.

What Forsling’s Ranking Means for His Reputation and Future

The controversy surrounding Gustav Forsling’s NHL defenseman ranking highlights the ongoing debate about player evaluations, particularly when success on the ice appears at odds with industry assessments. His position at No. 15, despite consecutive Stanley Cup victories and significant defensive contributions, suggests that some experts may undervalue certain aspects of his play style or role.

The voices of fans emphasize a broader demand for recognition of Forsling’s impact, especially in high-pressure situations against top-tier opponents. With the Panthers firmly established as championship contenders bolstered by Forsling and key teammates under long-term contracts, his future remains promising.

As Forsling continues to perform at a high level, it remains to be seen how his standing among NHL defensemen will evolve in upcoming seasons. His ability to maintain consistency and leadership on the ice will be crucial for both his personal reputation and the sustained success of the Florida Panthers organization.