Florida Panthers: Possible trades that could be made to improve the roster
Trade rumors have been swirling around the NHL and the Panthers for the past couple of weeks. What are some possible trades that the Florida Panthers could make to improve their squad?
Trades… They can either be a fan’s worst nightmare or a dream come true. For the Panthers, there have been rumors going around that they might be looking to add a scoring forward. While some may disagree with Florida trying to add a scorer, this is something that the Cats desperately need.
The Panthers have gotten excellent production from four forwards: Huberdeau, Barkov, Dadonov, and Trocheck. But, after that, the production has not been good enough for the Panthers to perform consistently. By adding another scoring winger, it will give them some much-needed depth as they move on through the season. So, who is available, and what would the Cats need to give up in order to obtain that forward? Let’s take a look!
Vegas Golden Knights – James Neal
According to SBNation, multiple teams have called the Knights about possibly acquiring James Neal, and the Panthers should be one of them. While the report have stated that the Knights will not trade Neal unless they are blown away, the Panthers could push through an offer that would be accepted.
While it’s quite a lot to give up for James Neal considering he only has one-year left on his contract, the Panthers could then immediately sign him to a contract extension as soon as he joins the team. Therefore, the Panthers would be able to hold on to the veteran for a decent amount of time.
This is probably the most unlikely trade to happen for the Panthers, but if it does, look for Neal to slide on the second line with Trocheck and Vrbata.
Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
Nugent-Hopkins is one of the most intriguing players that is being shopped on the trade market, and the Panthers should leap at the opportunity of acquiring a top 6 player. The Oilers are struggling mightily and are looking to cut cap space as McDavid’s huge contract will soon kick in. The Oilers simply cannot afford RNH anymore, and are looking to ship him away.
The Cats can afford a player like Nugent-Hopkins and should be on the phone with the Oilers organization in order to get a deal done rapidly. He is signed throughout the 2020-21 NHL season and the Panthers would not have to worry about losing him to free agency anytime soon. Since Edmonton are basically getting rid of him, the Panthers could pull off a deal that would be worth the price.
The Oilers would get a starting defenseman, an NHL ready prospect and a good pick in return for a young star who has never really reached his full potential yet. The Panthers have a boatload of extremely talented prospects and Hawryluk would probably never make it out of the Panthers bottom six (if he ever received the chance).
Again, if the Panthers pull this off, they would have a line of Nugent Hopkins-Trocheck-Vrbata.
Buffalo Sabres – Evander Kane
Evander Kane is a top line forward and one that the Florida Panthers could take away from a struggling Buffalo Sabres team. Whether Kane ends up on the Panthers or not, he will not be a Sabre by the trade deadline. While many teams will probably hold off on acquiring Kane until the deadline, the Panthers could sweep him up to help them compete this year and for years to come.
Again, Kane is on the last year of his contract and is due for a significant pay raise by the end of the year. Yes, Kane could certainly help the Cats this year, but the Panthers will need to agree on a contract extension as soon as they acquire him. This could be a problem for the Panthers as Kane will probably demand a contract worth something north of $6 million. Kane is a great player, but the Panthers may not be willing to sign him to a long term contract extension.
If he is acquired, he could possibly slot in on the first line with Huberdeau and Barkov.
Toronto Maple Leafs – James van Riemsdyk
The Maple Leafs are currently shopping van Riemsdyk as he is playing on his final year of his contract and will most likely head into free agency. The Panthers could certainly benefit from acquiring van Riemsdyk and should be negotiating with Toronto at this very moment.
Like most players being shopped at this time of year, van Riemsdyk is heading towards the final year of his contract, and the Panthers would need to sign him to a contract extension if they were to acquire him. The Cats may hold off on van Riemsdyk simply because he may demand a huge long term contract. However, if the Cats want to improve and get better, they will need to shell out the money as van Riemsdyk would be an excellent addition towards the second line.
Montreal Canadiens – Alex Galchenyuk
Maybe the most likely player (in fantasy trade world) to be headed to South Florida is Alex Galchenyuk. Galchenyuk’s name has been dangled in trade rumors since the summer and somehow still remains a member of the Canadiens. At the moment, Galchenyuk is struggling through this season and the Panthers might be able to nab the American at a lower price. Montreal seems like they want to get rid of him and he would be a perfect fit for Florida.
Galchenyuk is in the first year of a three-year deal, so the Panthers would be guaranteed his services through the 2019-20 season. Galchenyuk might make the most sense for the Panthers out of these five players. He’s already signed to a three-year deal and he could possibly be acquired at a lower price. Again, Galchenyuk would be a wonderful addition to the Panthers lineup and would find great success with Vincent Trocheck on the second line.
Conclusion
Personally, I would love to see Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in a Florida Panthers jersey. He would instantly become a part of the core and would give Trocheck a perfect line mate. Also, the fact that he is controlled for another three years after this year is a plus. For me, I’d give a lot to have RNH join the Panthers in South Florida.
Based on a poll, here’s who the Panthers’ fans would prefer:
#FlaPanthers fans: Who would you rather trade for?
— Jon (@jonphins) November 22, 2017
Regardless, any of these players mentioned in this slide show would be excellent additions to the Panthers lineup. Hopefully, the Panthers organization acts soon and brings one of these guy’s to South Florida.
Next: At what point can they not “trust the process” anymore?