The Florida Panthers received a B in The Athletic’s Grading every NHL team’s free-agency moves so far this offseason article. James Mirtle had this to say about the Cats:
The big bet for the Panthers was Brady Tkachuk. That’s where they put their newfound cap space and energy, and that’s where the roster will have the most positive change. Swapping out the goalies for a couple of questionable bets in Jacob Markström and Akira Schmid will be interesting to monitor, but given that this will be a much healthier team and how deep it is up front, Florida should be a contender yet again.
Lost in the frenzy of the opening of free agency on Friday, the Panthers prospects closed development camp with a 3-on-3 scrimmage. 2026 sixth-rounder Vilho Vanhatalo scored a pair of goals and Simas Ignatavicius and Shamar Moses also lit the lamp for Team White in a 4-1 win over Team Red. Miami University defenseman Vladislav Lukashevich was the only goal-scorer for the red squad. Tyler Muszelik and Denis Gabdrakhmanov were the goalies for Team White, while Ben Hrebik and Louis-Antoine Denault were between the pipes for Team Red.
Mavrik Bourque made his Fourth of July a lucrative one, signing a six-year contract worth $33 million with his new team, the Nashville Predators. The Predators sent their own 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-rounder from the Vegas Golden Knights, acquired earlier this year for forward Cole Smith, to the Dallas Stars for the negotiating rights to Bourque and veteran defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin. Bourque produced 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games during his second full NHL season, averaging 15:29 in ice time per game.
The following players also signed new contracts on Saturday:
- Shakir Mukhamadullin D – Edmonton Oilers (2 years, $1.75 million AAV)
- Emil Andare D – Toronto Maple Leafs (2 years, $1.55 million AAV)
- Zachary Sawchenko G – Carolina Hurricanes (1 year, $850K)
- Chase Stillman F – Detroit Red Wings (1 year, $850K)
- Ryan Tverberg F – Toronto Maple Leafs (1 year, $850K)
- Matt Villalta G – Buffalo Sabres (1 year, $850K)
- Christian Wolanin D – Colorado Avalanche (1 year, $850K)