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Florida Panthers: Four Defensemen the Cats Should Look to Acquire

By Cal Friedman

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his 200th career goal with teammates Tyler Bozak #42, Connor Brown #28, and Travis Dermott #23 against Roberto Luongo #1, Jared McCann #90, Mark Pysyk #13, Mike Matheson #19, Maxim Mamin #78, and Denis Malgin #62 of the Florida Panthers during the third period at the Air Canada Centre on March 28, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 28: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his 200th career goal with teammates Tyler Bozak #42, Connor Brown #28, and Travis Dermott #23 against Roberto Luongo #1, Jared McCann #90, Mark Pysyk #13, Mike Matheson #19, Maxim Mamin #78, and Denis Malgin #62 of the Florida Panthers during the third period at the Air Canada Centre on March 28, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Option #2: Alexei Emelin, Nashville Predators (UFA)

NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 7: Alexei Emelin #25 of the Nashville Predators checks Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on April 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 7: Alexei Emelin #25 of the Nashville Predators checks Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on April 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Veteran leadership is something the Panthers lacked at the back this last year. Mark Pysyk was the oldest member of the defense at 26, so a veteran in free agent Alexei Emelin would be a nice addition for Bob Boughner.

Emelin has consistently been a defensive-defenseman, and had a renaissance season this year in Nashville after some down years with the Montreal Canadiens. He was a +9 with Yannick Weber as his partner, and added to that with solid appearances on the penalty kill. Emelin was on pace to lead the Preds in blocks, however, playing time saw Emelin slip below All-Star Roman Josi and Mattias Ekholm. The 32-year-old also led in hits by a Predators defenseman by a longshot.

Emelin’s contract given by Marc Bergevin in Montreal was rather hefty, valued at $4.4 million annually, with a modified no trade clause. Although, this contract was given to the Russian while he was 27, so the contract value would’ve decreased by a lot. A 2-year contract would best suit the Panthers, allowing Emelin to play two seasons with Aaron Ekblad or Michael Matheson at 32 and 33 years-old, adding a valuable defensive piece.

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