Florida and Pittsburgh set to announce 1 for 1 trade!

The Florida Panthers are trying to find ways to upgrade their offense and have found a trade partner in the Pittsburgh Penguins. The trade has yet to be finalized according to Elliotte Friedman, however, according to Kevin Weekes of the NHL network, the deal is done.

For whatever reason, I'm told this trade hasn't gone through yet. Not sure if it has to do with the fact Hornqvist has a full no-trade clause or not. https://t.co/EBdTuKXQv6

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 23, 2020

The hold up is the process of Hornqvist waiving his no-trade clause to go to Florida. It sounds like he has asked GM, Jim Rutherford what other options are out there.

Hornqvist is the rugged winger who can provide a net-front presence for the Panthers. He has 3 years left on his deal, paying him $5.3 million.

Meanwhile, the Pens would be acquiring LHD Mike Matheson, who is 26 with 6 years left on his deal. The steady defenseman finished with 20 points in 59 games last season and would give the Penguins one of the deepest defense cores in the league.

Expect the official announcement to come Wednesday afternoon. 

Photo credit: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire

***UPDATE

It appears as if the Hornqvist/Matheson deal is being held up due to an insurance issue — the ability to fully insure contracts against injury.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 23, 2020