Push for the Playoffs

Team: 2019-20 Florida Panthers

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 18, 2019

Published: Jul. 19, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

After acquiring a top tier goaltender and coach in Bob and Quenneville, and signing a pair of UFA's for the middle of their lineup (Connolly to be a the 2nd/3rd line RW, Stralman to play behind Ekblad on the right side), Florida appears to be gunning for a playoff spot in the tough Eastern conference. They have an unproven backup goaltender, but barring an injury they should only need to rely on him fewer than 20 games so I expect they don't upgrade here. The lineup could use another middle 6 forward, but there is potential for either Tippett or Hiponiemi to seize the role out of camp. If they prefer to let them marinate in the AHL, Florida could go bargain shopping for the UFA's still kicking around. Florida should bring in a forward with size for the fourth line, find a bargain third line UFA forward if their prospects don't impress, and add some defensive depth which should get them competing for a wild card spot (unfortunately the Atlantic is stacked).

RFA's
Malgin - Signed for 2 x $1.25M to compete for a fourth line spot and cement himself as an everyday NHL'er.
Mamin - Expect he will remain in the KHL next year. QO sent to retain his rights.
McCoshen - Extended 2 x 925k to compete to be the 6/7D or be a shutdown defender in the AHL.
Weegar - Slowly proving himself as a capable #5D. Signs a 2 x $1.35M deal betting on himself to move up the lineup.

UFA's
I have Florida inking Boyle for a season at $1.5M for the fourth line. He's a big body and from all accounts a great veteran presence in the locker room for a team looking to take a step forward and into the playoffs.
I also think they should take a chance on Hutton at 2 x $1.5M as he would be a better option as a bottom pairing LD than they currently have.
If one of Tippett or Heponiemi doesn't make the team out of camp, look for Florida to offer Vanek or Pominville a 1 x $1.5M (+ 750k in performance bonuses) deal to play a third line scoring role (what old guy doesn't want to spend his winters in Florida).

Trades
I think Florida is ready to move on from Pysyk (given the Stralman signing). I think they make a move to a team in need of a RHD to give him a chance to play elsewhere while freeing up a bit of cap space. I have Florida sending him to Anaheim who needs RHD.