Team: 2023-24 Florida Panthers

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 30, 2023

Published: Jun. 30, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Montour and Ekblad may most likely be placed on LTIR as they are expected to miss a few weeks into the regular season. In this situation, Florida needs defensemen at a low cap hit, short term, and can compete just enough for the team to stay near .500.

Mikkola is a big bodied defenseman that skates exceptionally well for his size. He was given loads of time playing with Adam Fox, and did quite well. Cliff Connor is a simplistic defenseman who can hold down the fort fairly well. He can't last long as a 1st pair dman but he should be able to handle it until one of Ekblad or Montour comes back. Erik Johnson is limited, but he brings loads of experience and can still handle 3rd pair minutes. Michael Stone is a mediocre defenseman, but fine for depth. Carlsson had a really good season in the minors and can make it. If not him then possibly a younger defenseman.


Duclair is on the block, and at this stage the Panthers can use a draft pick and simply dump his cap. I still think that he would fit very well in Nashville. Panthers need some size, physicality, and a more dependable bottom six. In comes Josh Bailey who would perfectly fill that role and play any position. Austin Watson brings a solid physical element.

And finally, Bertuzzi. He would fit perfectly with Tkachuk and the Panthers. His style complements Florida's sryle of hockey as well. It's a big contract, but that's the market.

How does it all fit? Once both Ekblad and Montour are back, Stone and Carlsson get sent down/waived. That would leave the Panthers with $262,499.

Without a doubt this strategy sets up a really rough start for the Panthers defensively. Goaltending will need to steal games and forwards will need to carry the team as well. But once it all comes together, this is one scary team.