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Florida Panthers: Seven Forwards the Cats Could Target this Summer

By Jonathan Reichenberger

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 08: Florida celebrates the eventual game winner from Florida Panthers left wing Maxim Mamin (78) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on April 8, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 08: Florida celebrates the eventual game winner from Florida Panthers left wing Maxim Mamin (78) during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on April 8, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Panthers defeated the Bruins 4-2. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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#5 Paul Stastny

WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 3: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets keeps an eye on the play during first period action against the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds defeated the Jets 2-1 and tie the series 2-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB – MAY 3: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets keeps an eye on the play during first period action against the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell MTS Place on May 3, 2018 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Preds defeated the Jets 2-1 and tie the series 2-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Paul Stastny has enjoyed another solid year in the NHL. Now at the age of 32, Stastny will likely be a free agent this summer unless the Winnipeg Jets decide to bring him back. This year, Stastny totaled 53 points in 82 games with both the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets. Though he is an older player, he could be a valuable asset to a young Panthers lineup.

While some might dismiss the possibility of Stastny joining the Panthers because of his age, Stastny can still be a force in the NHL if he gets to play with the right players. Pairing him with Trocheck could very well make for a solid second line, but figuring out who plays center would likely be the underline question. Either way, whether it’s Trocheck sliding over to the wing or Stastny giving it a try himself, the Panthers at the very least should give it some thought.

Stastny reminds me of when Eric Staal became a free agent just two summers ago. Not too many teams were intrigued by Staal when he finally hit the UFA market at 31 years of age. The Minnesota Wild took a chance, and absolutely hit the jackpot with that signing. Though Stastny is having a better year than Staal had when Staal became a free agent, some teams will not be as interested in bringing Stastny in due to his age.

If Paul remains a UFA by the time free agency opens up, the Panthers should swoop in and give him a call. He could be an absolute steal if he comes at the right price.

Signing Salary Prediction: 4 years/$16 million ($4M AAV).

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