Close Article Return to stream X
NHL •

5 Players the Florida Panthers Should Target Before the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

+Read full article

5 Players the Florida Panthers Should Target Before the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline

Columbus Blue Jackets v Florida Panthers
Getty Images

The Florida Panthers are surprisingly very much in the Eastern Conference playoff picture entering the NHL’s second half of the season and don’t appear to be going away anytime soon. While the Panthers have a solid team, they still need to solidify their squad going down the stretch. There isn’t one specific “type” of player the Panthers should target, as being open-minded on acquisitions could make all the difference.

5. Nail Yakupov

Nail Yakupov
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Nail Yakupov

Nail Yakupov
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While the former No. 1 overall pick wouldn’t exactly fit the Panthers' new found “win now” mode, I’d love to see him get a change of scenery and Florida could be just the place. I still believe Yakupov has perennial 30-40 goal upside, and if the Oilers would be willing to sell low on the 21-year-old it would be foolish for the Panthers not to make a deal.

4. Jaromir Jagr

Roberto Luongo
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jaromir Jagr

Roberto Luongo
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The 42-year-old former league MVP still has something left in the tank and has been toiling in New Jersey with an awful Devils team. A relocation to South Florida with an upstart team could really get Jagr going and at the same time help the Panthers make only their third playoff appearance in 15 years. Jagr’s personality and almost unparalleled resume would make him a favorite in the locker room upon arrival.

3. Jeff Petry

New York Rangers v Edmonton Oilers
Getty Images

3. Jeff Petry

New York Rangers v Edmonton Oilers
Getty Images

With Edmonton in the midst of an absolute fire sale, the pending free-agent defenseman will likely be on his way out of town. Despite the stellar play of teenaged phenom Aaron Ekblad and steady hands of Willie Mitchell, the Panthers could use another solid blue-liner. Petry wouldn’t cost the team that much, and his addition to would add much-needed depth on defense.

2. Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford
Kevin Hoffman-USA Today Sports

2. Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford
Kevin Hoffman-USA Today Sports

The former 30-goal scorer is having a rough season in Buffalo, but the pending free agent could be exactly what the Panthers need down the stretch -- size and experience. The power forward could be had relatively cheap, and if he were to get hot at the right time, the Panthers would be a very tough out in the playoffs.

1. Ryan O'Reilly

Colorado Avalanche v Minnesota Wild - Game Six
Getty Images

1. Ryan O'Reilly

Colorado Avalanche v Minnesota Wild - Game Six
Getty Images

The Avalanche and O’Reilly haven’t had the best relationship after a pair of some highly contested contract negotiations in recent years. With Colorado free falling and looking to make moves, the 23-year-old center could be on his way out of Denver. He won’t come cheap, but I really think the two-way center would be a perfect fit on the up-and-coming team in South Florida.

PowerPlayCJ is a writer for RantSports.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NHL• Videos•

Alex Petrovic and Evander Kane Square Off Three Times In One Game

During Florida Panthers vs. Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday evening, Alex Petrovic and Evander Kane squared off twice in the second period, with an epic finale in the third. Unfortunately, they were both ejected after the third fight. Chances are, this battle would have continued into the fourth of fifth round had the two been anywhere near each other for the rest of the game.

Comment 0 Comments