they probably decline. Lundell is one of the best prospects out there. He might be pretty close to Eichel in terms of value in a couple years. Lundell plays a different game, he won't be a 100 point guy, but he has ppg+selke potential. Great two way center, wins faceoffs. Does most things right

Panthers are right at the cap limit after they sign Reinhart. No way they have the cap for Eichel, and even less next season when they want to resign UFA Barkov.

Yeah it was tough to find a cap dump for them. Hornqvist would clearly be the guy but extremely doubtful he agrees to a trade to Buffalo. Unless Buffalo would agree to flip him immediately to a contender and retain 50%.

Theoretically, Bennet + Hornqvist ( $9,725,000) would give them the room needed to fit Eichel and sign reinhart (Already have $7,830,378). The problem would be convincing Hornqvist to waive then dealing him.

Very valid points. This trade makes Florida have the ability to compete with Tampa today though, rather then waiting a few years for Lundell to come into his own. After losing 4-2 to Tampa IMO this trade puts them over the top with Barkov and Eichel down the middle. Would be awesome to watch...so much skill there.

We already have the ability to compete with tampa
We went to 6 agains them without Ekblad, and Tampa has lost their entire 3rd line

Right, exactly. Eichel puts them over the top, especially with Ekblad back. It's a flip of the coin as is (if everyone is healthy). This deal helps/ makes the Panthers a better team today. Also Eichel is 24 signed for 5 more years giving them a fairly long window.

Point is only getting better and they have the best goalie in the world. Not to mention Kuch is only 28 and Cirelli is a beast to. IMO this trade makes sense but I respect your opinion.

Ok but if we get eichel then our cap space is essentially ****ed after 2 years give or take
We can compete right now, and Lundell will likely become a top level player, which extends our window, especially as he will be relatively cheap during this period

maybe i'm in the minority, but I think florida can be a powerhouse in like 3 years. Potential young stars in lundell, knight, and tippet. Barkov, Huberdeau, Weagar, Ekblad, verhaeghe, bennett all in their prime. Florida is better off taking this one slow and steady. Cap hell will weaken tampa over the next 2 years and florida will have their time to shine