By Toby Rice
This offseason was quieter than the last few for the Florida Panthers, at least in terms of trades and major signings. The top six of Leblanc, Ehlers, Svechnikov, Stutzle, Lafreniere, and Guenther return ready to challenge for the playoffs. Although there were no shake ups within the top six, the Panthers' years of draft capital are beginning to fully take shape. Tim Stutzle and Alexis Lafreniere are now leaders of this team, and expectations are much higher after developing into the players they were expected to be after going number one and two in the FNHL Draft. Dylan Guenther, another promising prospect took great strides over the past year and finds himself solidified as a top six player. Many expect this to be a breakout season for the 21 year old. The Panthers are led by veteran Louis Leblanc, who at 36 could be playing his final season with the Panthers. While the rest of the top six is locked in for at least two years, RFA Simon Nemec on defense and an increasing salary for goalie Matt Murray may be challenging to sign the prolific center this offseason. Time will tell and negotiations will wait until the season ends.
While the Panthers' top six has not changed, the team is icing an entirely brand new bottom six. The team was active in the offseason signing veterans to fill out the third and fourth line roles. A good mix of offensive skills, this could be the most consistent bottom six the Panthers have had in several seasons.
On defense, Guhle and Timmins return to solidify themselves as top players in the league. Both enter the second year of their contracts and are looking to prove themselves as the best duo in the league. Behind them, veterans Rundblad and Gudbranson pair up to show everyone they still have it at 35 and 36 years old. Both vets could be playing in their final seasons with the Panthers if they decide to test the market for one final large contract. The defense is rounded out with Simon Nemec who is playing for a bigger contract, and Brandt Clarke, a promising young prospect expected to be a future top pairing defenseman.
Matt Murray returns in net to lead the team to the playoffs. After signing a long-term contract last season, he received a raise and is expected to be dominant in net. Brandon Whitney, and offseason signing will back up Murray with the opportunity to earn his starts.
7/24/2024 - 414 words
