5 Free Agents the Florida Panthers Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

By Nick Villano

5 Free Agents the Florida Panthers Should Target in 2015 NHL Offseason

Florida Panthers Free Agents — The Florida Panthers were the team everyone was rooting for at times this season. When it looked like they could be the team to take down the mighty Boston Bruins and make the playoffs, the hockey world got behind the team from Sunrise, Fl. They fell short, but they have the foundation in place to win. They need a good offseason to continue their progress, and these five players would help immensely.

5. Lubomir Visnovsky

Lubomir Visnovsky

5. Lubomir Visnovsky

Lubomir Visnovsky — Lubomir Visnovsky took longer than expected to get acclimated to life in the NHL. Many believe he will bolt to an overseas market now that he has the opportunity, but his agent tells everyone who will listen that isn't the case. The Panthers should run the tires on this veteran. He would make a great addition to their defense.

4. Brenden Morrow

Brenden Morrow

4. Brenden Morrow

Brenden Morrow — Brenden Morrow is currently in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Lightning. The Panthers showed they liked that kind of experience when they signed Willie Mitchell last season. Morrow wouldn't even have to leave the state, which will be a major selling point. Any veteran forwards the team can get will help.

3. Anton Volchenkov

Anton Volchenkov

3. Anton Volchenkov

Anton Volchenkov — The Panthers need to fix their special teams before they can go anywhere. Jaromir Jagr will help the powerplay, but they need something to fix the penalty kill. Anton Volchenkov was sneakily one of the best PK players over the last few years. His perception as a defenseman will keep his price low.

2. Michael Ryder

Michael Ryder

2. Michael Ryder

Michael Ryder — Michael Ryder's career was derailed by a Devils system that did not fit his skill set. His past two years have made him a bargain on the free agent market. He still has the skill that made him a 30 goal scorer -- he just needs to find a position where he could have more freedom to shoot the puck. The Panthers will give him that, and he will thrive if they sign him.

1. Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford

1. Drew Stafford

Drew Stafford — Drew Stafford is a player that gets into the spots you need to see a player get to. If they lose Tomas Kopecky, they could easily replace him with Stafford, who has a similar skill set. It is easy to argue that Stafford is probably the better version of Kopecky. He can fit many roles, including one that adds goals to this offense.

Teams in this article »

Florida Panthers

Share On Facebook

Share