This is an update on how the Florida Panthers salary cap, lines, and are projected to look(so far) during the 2018-19 season. Now, the first thing you notice is our absolute overload of forwards. We have 16 forwards who will compete for a spot come training camp. 20 of those players will make the opening night roster, while 3 can be scratched. But there’s a problem. With all those 16 forwards, we have 3 goalies, and 6 defensemen(7 soon when Weegar resigns). That’s 25/26 players. Here’s something interesting I personally noted. Hutchinson(the 28 y/o goalie the panthers just signed in FA) is on a one way deal. Meaning what? We have to put him through waivers if we send him to the minors at the beginning or any time of year. I don’t think this was an AHL signing. If 4/5 teams were barking to get this guy in free agency, why would we send him down to the minors where they could offer sheet him? It doesn’t make sense. Either all 3 goalies are staying on the NHL roster, or this is paving the way for a Reimer Trade. Next, you look at the forwards and defenseman. The Florida panthers have been the most rumored team to acquiring Canadiens winger Max Pacioretty, and one of the top 3 teams in the rumor mill for CBJ stud Artemi Panarin. As you can see, we have about 3.1M of cap space. Paciorettys contract is 4.5M until next year, Panarins 6M until next year. Being that we need a little cap for them unless they retain, id be willing to bet that we either swap Bjugstad, Borgström, and picks for a Panarin Trade, or that we give McCoshen, Tippett and maybe a second for a Patches Trade. Trades our definitely coming, because statistically our roster needs it and will get it. We have too many NHL caliber players to send to minors
Didn't realize Hutch was on a one-way??? I would like to see them trade Bjugstad not necessarily Reimer. I like Reimer and feel he is a very good back up. I don't see them trading Borgstrom. I think they put him a year in the AHL and eventually replace McCann on the third line. Maybe they package Bjugstad, Weegar, Haweryluk, Lammikko and some picks to get patches. I don't think this packages gets them Panarin. I also don't think they give up Tippet or Borgstrom.