NHL Rumors: Panthers Could Trade Top Prospect

According to Frank Seravalli, if the Florida Panthers are successful with efforts in acquiring a top-pairing defenseman, top prospect Grigori Denisenko could be sent the other way.

At this juncture of the campaign, the Panthers sport a 32-10-5 record and look destined to go on a long playoff run. However, as an attempt to increase their chances of winning the Stanley Cup this postseason, it makes sense that they want another top-of-the-line defenseman. They have been linked to both Jakob Chychrun and John Klingberg, but trading for either one of them will likely have to include Denisenko as one of the pieces.

Denisenko was selected with the 15th overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and is viewed as having a lot of potential. In 30 games this season with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL), he has nine goals and 18 points. He is continuing to show signs of improvement and is viewed as having the tools to potentially develop into a top-six winger. In eight career NHL games thus far, he has four assists.

Although there is always some risk in trading away a top prospect, the Panthers are in a position where they can. However, they only should if it means that they are bringing in a big talent that can help them win now. If they are unable to, Denisenko should not be moved.