By Toby Rice
After 66 games played, the Florida Panthers find themselves in the hunt for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, they current are sitting on the outside looking in. The Panthers have 71 points, and they sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. It will be a fight to the finish as several teams are hoping to punch their ticket to the postseason. Currently, just 7 points separate 6th place from 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
"It's the same old story," says the Panthers' GM. "Every year there's six or seven teams coming down to the wire fighting for the last few playoff spots. We find ourselves in the mix year after year, but we're hoping to get in there this season."
The trade deadline is also looming this weekend, and the Panthers haven't been too active. "We've had a few conversations. We're confident in our team, and I don't think we will be making a huge splash. We have shopped a tiny bit, but I wouldn't be surprised if you don't see us that active."
Brock Boeser is still a Panther at this point. His name has been linked to discussion with a number of teams. Right now it seems the asking price is future draft picks. Will a team step up and offer a 1st to take Boeser and his 78 SC? Only time will tell. It's believed that if Boeser isn't traded this weekend, he'll be a key piece to the Panthers' own playoff hopes, and there's a possibility he could be offered a contract in the offseason. Stay tuned.
9/18/2026 - 262 words
