Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon examines the best, worst scenarios for every Atlantic Division team. Let see what he had to say about the Florida Panthers.
Key additions Brady Tkachuk, W; Jacob Markstrom, G; Radko Gudas, D; Garnet Hathaway, W; Akira Schmid, G; Lars Eller, C
Key subtractions Sergei Bobrovsky, G; Evan Rodrigues, W; Mackie Samoskevich, W; A.J. Greer, W; Daniil Tarasov, G
Cap space today $34,286
Best case A fourth trip to the Stanley Cup Final in five seasons
Worst case Big-time Bobrovsky regrets
After missing the playoffs in an injury-ravaged season, the Panthers are poised for an instant return to contender status. Heck, they might even be the Cup favourites. The lineup in front of the crease is bulletproof and constructed in a lab to succeed in the post-season. Add Brady Tkachuk to a group of guys who, though not by choice, had a long off-season to rest and recover after playing in three straight finals and you have a recipe for more South Florida success.
The Boston Bruins have signed forward Fraser Minten to a seven-year, $50.4 million contract extension. Minten’s new deal carries an average annual value of $7.2 million. He put up 17 goals and 35 points in 82 games last season.
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year, $850,000 contract. Joseph spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks and had one goal and and five assists in 31 games.
The San Jose Sharks have signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850K. Samsonov, 29, appeared in 14 games with HK Sochi of the KHL last season, with a 3.27 goals against average, .903 save percentage and one shutout.