In a very minor deal, the Panthers have traded AHL forward Jean-Francois Jacques to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for future considerations. Jacques has suited up this season for the San Antonio Rampage, Florida’s AHL affiliate club, playing in 24 games and posting a respectable seven points (5G, 2A). Jacques, known more for his enforcing than his point totals, will likely slide into the roster in Syracuse, which is the AHL affiliate for the Bolts.
Jacques was not likely to see much time in the big leagues with Florida; in fact, the Panthers never signed him to an NHL contract, and so he was likely destined to stay with the Rampage all season. So, this move does not free up a contract for the Cats, but it does provide some late-round picks for GM Dale Tallon to either keep or package in another trade in the future.