NHL Rumors: Panthers Linked To 2 Big-Name Defensemen

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers will only trade Owen Tippett in a move that would land them a big-name player like Jakob Chychrun or John Klingberg.

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— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 31, 2022

The Panthers have been linked to Chychrun since the Arizona Coyotes began shopping the defenseman. He's a star when he's on his game, but he also hasn't been all season. In 32 games thus far, he has two goals, eight points, and a minus-31 rating. Yet, he also just scored 18 goals and had 41 points with Arizona just last season. Teams pursuing him are hoping a change of scenery can help him find that form again.

Klingberg would be a very good offensive defenseman with the Panthers. This is especially true when looking at their star cast of forwards. In 36 games this season with the Dallas Stars, he has a goal and 22 helpers. He would fit in their top-four, but also would likely just be a rental. If Tippett were to reach his potential with the Stars and Florida loses Klingberg after the season, it could be a move the latter regrets.

Alas, time will tell if the Panthers land one of these defensemen by using Tippett as one of the main pieces going back.