TSJ 31 in 31: Florida Panthers Look to Make a Run Towards the Postseason

by
Former Writers
September 8, 2018

Despite Not Being Active in Free Agency, the Panthers Can Make Another Run Towards the Postseason

Last season, the Florida Panthers finished just one point of out the playoffs. However, the Panthers maintained all of their pieces from last season while adding depth. But questions still arise for the squad. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is another year older and it is unknown if he can make as many starts as he once could. The young prospects such as Henrik Borgstrom have a chance to establish themselves as powerful forces in the NHL. But the biggest question is: Can the Panthers continue their late season success from last season?

Have the Panthers Gotten Better?

Statistically speaking, the Panthers have gotten better. With multiple additions and no subtractions within the squad, they can only look up from here. However, it will be a very interesting training camp with the young forwards trying to make a name for themselves.

Additions

Stealing headlines nationwide during the off-season was the trade to acquire forward Mike Hoffman from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for some draft picks. This came just hours after he was traded from Ottawa to San Jose. With this addition, Florida brings in a 50 plus point scorer. Wingers were somewhat of a sore spot for Florida, and this addition fixes that issue.

From Russia, they brought in KHL defenseman Bogdan Kiselevich. Last season, Kiselevich finished the season with 16 points and a +21 rating, the highest of his KHL career. The year before, he finished with 23 points. At 28 years of age, Kiselevich brings experience to the young defensive core and should suit as a great addition to Aaron Ekblad.

In addition, the Panthers signed Stanley Cup winning forward Troy Brouwer. While he was sluggish the last season, his signing brings playoff experience and leadership to a young locker room. In addition, the Panthers did not sign him to a massive contract, a one-year-only worth $850,000. It’s a low-risk, low-reward type of deal, so even if he is sluggish for another season, the Panthers do not lose too much money.

Subtractions

As previously mentioned, the Panthers did not lose a single player from last season’s roster.

Where do the Panthers stand?

With these additions, it seems like the Panthers are trying to strike for a Stanley Cup during their window of opportunity and it makes sense. Most of their core is in their prime, their starting goaltender in Luongo is considered injury prone, and players may expect big deals in a year or two. Dale Tallon has constructed the blueprint to bring the Stanley Cup to Sunrise. With high expectations, the Panthers must follow through with that.