Perfect for my cannibalistic character

Such beautiful art!

Why did they get rid of the pounce?

So, do they not know what a panther is?

Quote from lexgamer >>

So, do they not know what a panther is?

 Well, what we know as panthers are actually melanistic versions of leopards. If you look closely, you can see spots on some panthers, signifying that they are leopards, just melanistic. Of course, WoTC could have just called them Leopards if they used this art. 

Gained 1 AC and Dex score was increased by 1, from 15 to 16. This in turn raised the modifier from +2 to +3.

Lost Keen Smell and Pounce, but gained Nimble Escape and their Stealth score was increased. 

Used to have a Bite that dealt 5(1d6+2) piercing and Claw that dealt 4(1d4+2) slashing, both strength based. Now, they have Rend that deals 6(1d6+3) slashing, which is Dex based. 

Fusion time! First, call this thing a Leopard with that art. Bring back Pounce, but rework it into the Rend with automatic prone, as that is apparently what WoTC did. Simple.

My guess is to help streamline the stat block. Also changing the Claw and Bite attack to Rend would force them to re word it. Not that difficult but still something. 
I personally like the nimble escape better. It allows you to do hit and run methods and ambush your prey. Imagine running this in a heavy forest environment where viability is reduced to  5 or 10 feet due to the vegetation. The panther attacks and springs off the opposite direction.