Atlantic Division rival reportedly has trade offers on the table for two star forwards
Currently sitting 5th in the Atlantic Division and one point out of second last, the Florida Panthers have been all but impressive this season. With forty games played nearly halfway into the season, the Panthers have not met their expectations, nor been close to the lethal offensive threat they were last year. Insider Frank Seravalli believes the Panthers' season could get interesting with trade offers for two star forwards Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett reportedly on the table.
With the move of star forward Jonathan Huberdeau and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar this past offseason, the Panthers were looking to improve their already competitive roster. Unfortunately, as expected, the Panthers have failed to sustain the same level of play as they did in their most successful run since 1996.
Seravalli noted that the Panthers are looking for a more well-rounded lineup to start the 2023-24 season. This includes finding a legit defenseman to pair with Aaron Ekblad and an improved goaltending tandem. To obtain this, they will need to move some money around at the deadline and in the offseason.
Reinhart and Bennett are the names that may make the most sense for the Panthers to move. With the Cats having moved so many of their top picks, they'll have to rely on using what they have on the roster to achieve some of their more immediate roster goals.
Reinhart is on a two-year deal (including this year), earning him $6.5 million per season. He has been productive, coming off a season where he averaged better than a point per game. This year, he has dealt with a slight decrease in production with 12 goals and 14 assists, amounting to 26 points in 40 games, but he's still a solid player and reasonably young, being just 27 years of age.
Bennett, like Reinhart, is just 26 years old. Adding to this, he's on a reasonable contract, coming off a career year and is on pace for similar numbers this season. Bennett can play anywhere in the lineup and could be a solid piece for a team looking for a versatile forward with a physical edge. He is currently signed for two more seasons after this one, making $4.425 million.
There's no doubt that the Panthers are in a difficult position with limited cap space and attractive pieces to move, who carry a decent value. If the Panthers can use Reinhart and Bennett as trade chips to get better and become more balanced, it's not over yet for them. They showed what they were capable of last year, winning the Presidents Trophy in dominant fashion. With much of the same core intact, it's not unreasonable to think that a strong second half could put them right back in the playoff hunt.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 136 ANSWERS Atlantic Division rival reportedly has trade offers on the table for two star forwards Will the Panthers make the playoffs this season? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 14.7 % |
| No | 116 | 85.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
