Panthers Primer VOL 1
Apr 6, 2022 18:35:33 GMT -5
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Post by Florida Panthers on Apr 6, 2022 18:35:33 GMT -5
Panthers Primer Vol 1
It’s been a busy year for the Florida Panthers, they’re turning the corner from rebuilding bottom feeder to playoff contender. While the playoffs are probably still a pipe dream this season, the Panthers have looked legit since adding goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. Since adding this stud #1 goalie they’ve gone 11-3-2, with new #1 centre Mika Zibanejad picking up 18 points in the process. Are they playing themselves out of a lottery pick? Maybe, but GM Rensby-Wills is done with lottery picks and wants on ice success.
“It’s very re assuring seeing success from this team after making some key additions. Yes having another lottery pick would be fantastic but we’re confident enough in our scouting that we know we’ll be drafting an impact player wherever our pick ends up!” -Rensby-Wills
Trade Centre
Now let’s talk trades, since the last time we checked in the Panthers have made 2 trades. Let’s get right to business!
To Florida Panthers :
Alexander Barabanov
To Nashville Predators :
Nick Abruzzese
BUF 2nd 2023
NJD 3rd 2024
Florida landed a top 6 winger in Barabanov in this trade, he may not be a household name but Barabanov has been very solid in San Jose in the NHL for the majority of the season. A playmaking winger with some finesse he will fit in nicely on Florida’s second line with Anthony Cirelli and Martin Necas. Once again the prospect and draft pick pool gets thinner in Florida but this was addressed with the next trade.
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To Florida Panthers :
Cam York
Mackie Samoskevich
Robert Hagg
Markus Nutivaara
To Boston Bruins :
Max Domi
With the addition of Barabanov, Max Domi was no longer needed in Florida. His higher cap hit was not ideal moving forward and Boston simply made an offer they couldn’t refuse. Yes Florida takes back 2 cap dumps but they also land 2 great prospects in York and Samoskevich. York could see ice time in Florida as soon as next season, while Samoskevich will probably spend a couple more seasons in the NCAA.
Contract Corner
Since our last article a couple of Panthers have been signed to extensions as well! First, new Panther Alexander Barabanov signed a 3 year extension worth $3.75mil per season shortly after being dealt to Florida.
“Barabanov will be a key part of our second line going into next season, he may not have a long track record in the NHL but with what we’ve seen we are willing to take a bit of a risk to get him at a lower cap hit. If he continues to produce at a 45-50 point pace this deal will be great for both parties involved.” -Rensby-Wills
The next contract extension is a big one, Drake Batherson re-signed with the Panthers for 4 years worth $7.25mil per season. He’s having a superstar like year in the NHL minus a brutal leg injury.
“Drake Batherson is a key part of our team now and in the future, if Batherson fails to produce at a high level our team will struggle. We truly believe that this season is not a fluke and the Drake is a high level player so we paid him like one.” -Rensby-Wills
One key player who has not re-signed yet is young centre Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Contract negotiations have begun and should trend in the right direction.
“KK is a great player, he fits in really well in our bottom 6 and we truly believe he will be here long term. It’s all about ironing out the small details with term and AAV but we believe a deal will be reached soon. Hopefully before the trade deadline. KK will be back in Florida next season.”
Are the Panthers done? Word is they have been kicking the tires on nearly every higher end player that has sniffed the trading block including Jonathan Huberdeau.
“We’re always looking to add to our squad. We do believe that we have now assembled a strong roster for next season that should compete for a playoff spot while maintaining a solid prospect pool. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t trying to add before the deadline.”
And there you have it! Our first volume of the Panthers Primer! Stay tuned for volume 2, in the meantime check out the projected lines for the 2022-23 Florida Panthers!
T. Meier – M. Zibanejad – D. Batherson
A. Barabanov – A. Cirelli – M. Necas
S. Jarvis – J. Kotkaniemi(RFA) – O. Wahlstrom
E. Robinson – D. Dube – O. Steen(RFA)
P. Marleau
E. Bouchard – M. Fehervary
A. Romanov – D. Fabbro
T. Van Riemsdyk(UFA) – J. Schultz
C. Hellebuyck
