Team: 2024-25 Florida Panthers

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 17, 2024

Published: Apr. 1, 2024

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

There is little reason to think Zito isn't going to go all in for one last ride..... after 2024-25 I have serious debates about the Cats. Very little draft capital, a system that is lacking and a number of UFAs hitting the books that I am not sure they are able to afford. Without a doubt, the offseason decision here is Reinhart or Mountour - and I opt for Montour. Leaves more money to work with to fill this roster out. The blueline will be this teams bread and butter imo. Still brings 3 very effective lines, and very much a playoff contender.

Signings:

Bertuzzi: will be impossible to replace Reinhart's offense, but Bertuzzi trult embodies the Panther's style of play. I think he fits in very well, and Ling term serves as a Verherge replacement.

Montour: has thrived as a Panther. Quite possibly sees more on the open market, but the no tax advantage may make $6.5 million realistic. Seems like he has found a home in Miami.

Ekman-Larson: another UFA that could see more money, but has resurrected his career in Florida. A very difficult contract to gauge given his decline in Arizona and Vancouver. Begs to question which player do you get? See $3 million being about right given the depth of the UFA D market.

Stenlund: been great. No reason not to run him back.

Fischer: a young and very effective 4th liner both bite. Inexpensive move with justifiable term. Be easy to move if things fall apart.

Kulikov: again...... been good as a Cat. No reason not to bring him back. Very possible he has out-priced himself. Hoping his age and depth in the UFA market has him signing another team.friensly deal.

Side Notes:

1. Yes.... this team is riddled with team friendly deals - and the no tax state plays a factor. The big one here is Montour. Panthers will be so tight to the cap, that a $7 million demand (and really is worth it) means another direction. Possible pivot would be Scott Walker.... but I see this as a downgrade offensively.

2. Need bounce back seasons from Lundell and Lousterainen. Both are capable of a much better offensive output than we have seen this year. Without doubt, the game is there. If Lousterainen gives what he did this year, have to say that is a contract I try to move.

3. Samoskevic makes the team imo. Has put up the numbers in the AHL to justify it, and the Cats are so tight to the cap, maybe the only option.

4. Not a fan of the 21 man roster here. Sourdif amd Lockwood can serve as call up options, but that doesn't give me warm.and fuzzies.

5. Leaving Blackwood on the roster recognizing he could be flipped for a cheap option.... amd it is a move I would anticipate in season depnding on Bobrovsky. If vintage Bob shows up, I move him. Right now a viable insurance policy with some trade value.

Overall: I see this year being Florida's real last kick at this. Bennett, Verherge, Ekblad all pending UFAs after this season.... and I have to think two of the 3 get pay raises, that may have Zito making another tough decision. The cap may go up enough to absorb this..... but that is playing with fire. And that is dependent on key UFAs signing something team friendly. But for 2024-25...... they more than compete. 2025-26 is a problem.for tomorrow