Dec 23, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Thomas Vanek (62) reacts during the first period against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
TheNHL Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and with the Panthers struggling as of late, Dale Tallon and co. may look to acquire someone for help. Here are the 4 players the Panthers should target at the trade deadline.
Thomas Vanek – Detroit Red Wings: With the recent acquisition of Martin Hanzal by the Minnesota Wild, Thomas Vanek is now probably the Panthers’ main target. Vanek is having a pretty good season so far, as he has 3 less points than last season in 27 less games. He plays left wing, which means he could probably play on the second line if Jussi Jokinen is moved down to the third line to play with two of Nick Bjugstad, Denis Malgin, or Jonathan Marchessault. Vanek is on the final year of his $2.6 mil. contract (only a 1 year contract), and would be a good pickup with his level of production this season. It would also bring yet another experienced veteran to Florida, which would be very helpful if the Panthers do manage to make the playoffs. (47 GP, 15 G, 23 A, 38 P)
Patrick Sharp – Dallas Stars: Even though Sharp is having a bit of a down year, he has only played 36 games. He is also known to be a beast on the powerplay, which is something the Panthers desperately need, as their powerplay has been lacking this season, even with offensive defenseman Keith Yandle quarterbacking it. Like Vanek, Sharp has a lot of playoff experience, especially because he was with the Chicago Blackhawks when they won 3 cups in 6 years. Sharp is on the final year of his contract. Now it is a bit of a hefty contract to take on with just a couple months left in it at $5 mil., but Dale Tallon could easily work out a deal where Dallas retains some of Sharp’s salary. (36 GP, 7 G, 8 A, 15 P)
– Arizona Coyotes: With the recent sending of Martin Hanzal to Minnesota, Vrbata is now Arizona’s most sought after player. Like Sharp, and his former teammate Hanzal, Vrbata is very good on the powerplay. Vrbata had a career year 2 seasons ago with Vancouver, with 63 points. (31 goals, 32 assists) Vrbata is having another great year again, and could definitely help out on the Panthers’ second line. Vrbata has experience too, as he went to the playoffs with Vancouver in 2014-15 (his career year, by the way.) Not to mention that Vrbata has done a good job agewise, as he is still producing at a great rate at age 35. Like almost everyone else on this list, Vrbata is in the final year of his contract. And getting him would be an absolute steal, as husband contract is only $1 mil. (61 GP, 15 G, 31 A, 46 P)
Jannick Hansen – Vancouver Canucks: Like Sharp, Hansen is having a down year, but has also had to sit out many games because of injuries. Hansen is experienced, and could possibly play on the Panthers’ third line. (A Hansen/Bjugstad/Marchessault line wouldn’t be that bad, not gonna lie.) Unlike the other players on this list, Hansen still has one year left on his contract after 2016-17. His salary is $2.5 mil, which is not that bad when you consider he isn’t just a rental, and he’s still be with the team through next season. (28 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13P)
