By Toby Rice
The Florida Panthers were active at the trade deadline, and two familiar faces have joined the team. Over the weekend, the Panthers added two rentals, players that fans will recognize. Timo Meier and David Backes are headed back to South Florida for a playoff run. Both players were traded last season, but their familiar play made it easy for the Panthers to seize the opportunity.
"When we were looking at rentals, it just so happens that Backes and Meier were available," said the Panthers GM. "We knew we wanted to be active, and when those two opportunities came together, we went for it."
Backes and Meier will fill a veteran need for a young Panthers team. Both players are expected to play on the third line, and playoff ice time will be determined by their play through the end of the season.
In addition to the rentals, the Florida Panthers added veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who is expected to play a major role for the rest of this season and next year as well. Young center Connor McMichael and center Sam Reinhart were the only two pro players moved. All in all, Florida sent out 6 players and brought in 4 players, a 1st, and two 2nds. The team addressed current needs and future roster management with their moves. Time will tell if these trades help the Panthers push into the postseason. Lets go Cats!
12/5/2023 - 234 words
