The Panthers are officially back in action! Following the organization’s annual Media Day on Wednesday, players hit the ice at FLA Live Arena for their first practice of the 2021-22 season on Thursday. On this week’s episode of the Territory Talk podcast, co-hosts Doug Plagens and Jameson Olive discuss some of the biggest storylines heading into the camp, while also looking back at the recent Prospect Showcase Tournament in Wesley Chapel. Plus, hear what Aaron Ekblad, Aleksander Barkov, MacKenzie Weegar and Joe Thornton had to say on Media Day.

Highlights of the episode include:

• The Predators come to town for a preseason doubleheader on Sept. 26. (1:15)
• A recap of how the Panthers performed at the Prospect Showcase Tournament. (2:50)
• Which player did the best radio reads on Media Day? (9:00)
• Aleksander Barkov is itching for the puck to drop. (15:15)
• Following a long rehab, Aaron Ekblad is ready to go. (20:05)
• MacKenzie Weegar loves having extra eyes on the Panthers. (25:45)
• Joe Thornton is looking forward to “a special year” in South Florida. (32:00)
• Storylines to keep an eye on during the first week of training camp. (34:20)