Florida Panthers Offseason Free Agent Targets: Forwards

The Florida Panthers are going to have to add some forwards in the offseason as they will actually have cap space to work with. Their depth hasn't been great this season and is cheap, but there are some offensive threats that will be available on the market come free agency.

Evgeni Dadonov

Evgeni Dadonov, originally drafted by the Panthers in 2007, only played 55 games for them before heading overseas to play professionally for a number of years. Upon his return, he was a very good player, amassing 81 goals and 182 points in 225 games before heading to the Ottawa Senators.

Dadonov hasn't really been the same on a team that isn't as offensively focused as the Panthers always are. He was very good at times in Vegas and has been a great addition to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline this season, but also struggled greatly on Ottawa and Montreal. After the start to the season Dadonov had, the Panthers could add him for a good value and hope to get some of his old production.

Alexander Kerfoot

The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely moving on from Alexander Kerfoot in the offseason as they won't have much cap space to work with and he's been somewhat inconsistent this season. Don't get me wrong, Kerfoot is a solid offensive producer and a strong middle-six player, exactly what the Panthers will be looking for. They would be able to get him for a fair price in the prime of his career.

Ivan Barbashev

There's no certainty that the Vegas Golden Knights are going to be able to keep Ivan Barbashev around after this season, meaning the Panthers might be able to target the Russian and add him to their middle-six. Barbashev has proven this season that he is capable of playing on any line and had a career year last season.

He is a physical player, something the Panthers need more of as they look to do damage in the postseason moving forward. Matthew Tkachuk, a similar type of player, has already shown the great impact of adding a gritty player. Plus, Barbashev can score and is versatile.