The Florida Panthers, the recent Stanley Cup champions, are currently on a lively celebration tour. After their victory over the Edmonton Oilers in six games, the team partied at E11even in Miami, reportedly spending an eye-popping $500,000 on their nights there.
This Miami club, open 24 hours on weekends, provided a festive atmosphere late into the morning hours, with some players reluctant to leave. Captain Alexander Barkov even had to pull teammate Brad Merchand out at around 5 am when they realized the bill was accumulating.
“He was about to settle the tab before discovering it was $500,000,” the Panthers recounted on Barstool Sports’ “Spittin’ Chiclets” podcast. “We get great treatment there; they really know how to host.”
The celebration ramped up even further with a parade held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, becoming a spectacle of excitement. Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL player and co-host of the podcast, noted the abundant energy being released through various festivities, including the parade and a coastal dunk.
“I saw Merchand crowd-surfing at E11even and totally lost it,” added fellow former NHLer Ryan Whitney on the show.
Merchand was seen surfing on the crowd while brandishing the Stanley Cup, and “Pink Pony Club” played as teammates celebrated around him in sheer joy.
A rising free agent, Aaron Ekblad, also made an appearance. Fans even had the chance to buy tickets to hear him speak to his teammates amid the wild celebrations. “I’m really thankful,” Ekblad expressed during the night out. “You all had faith in me.”
While Florida retains most of its core players under contract, several role players might be on the move.
Barkov and his teammates had already celebrated their win by knocking on a neighbor’s door at 5 am shortly after clinching the championship.
