3 trades that will supercharge the Florida Panthers quest for a Cup

Reuniting with Mike Hoffman could work at the right price

The Panthers worked well in the past with San Jose when they traded winger Anthony Duclair to the Sharks. This time, Florida once again calls up general manager Mike Grier if Kubalik is off the table, and they inquire about Hoffman’s services. 

Like just about everyone on the Sharks this season, Hoffman was no stranger to struggling. But like Kubalik, when he manages to get a shot off, they have been finding the net often. Hoffman has just eight goals, but he also boasts a 13.8 shooting percentage, and he will also fit well on the bottom-six to provide experienced depth. 

Best yet, Hoffman is a former Panther who spent his finest season in Sunrise back in 2018-19 when he scored 70 points and 36 goals. Hoffman also contributed defensively with 48 takeaways, and given the 23 he has with a bad team this season, it’s clear he can still play well when his team doesn’t have the puck.

Ironically, the Sharks were the team that traded Hoffman to the Panthers in the first place in 2018, so in this scenario, history repeats itself. Despite their lack of cap space, Hoffman will be easy to fit into Florida’s lineup, but the Panthers will give up that same third-rounder this year, and a second in 2025 to complete the deal should this take place.