Florida Panthers Might Have To Sacrifice Forward For Cap Space

Although the Florida Panthers do have much more cap space freed up than they did in 2022-23, they might still have some cap issues incoming to restructure their team for next season. Pierre LeBrun notes that the Panthers don't want to move Anthony Duclair, but may need to so they can clear cap space.

Duclair doesn't make a lot per season ($3 million AAV) and is on the last year of his contract before becoming a UFA, but the Panthers currently have just over $10 million to spend and have 17 players signed. Some of the positions they need to fill will also require quite a bit of money as the team is trying to lock more players up for the long-term. Nine of the roster players have one year remaining on their deals while four more have just two years left.

Duclair has been a target for a few teams over the past year and him coming back fairly strong from his serious injury eased the concerns that other teams might've had about trading for him. One team in particular that has been heavily linked to the Panthers and Duclair is the Calgary Flames. They are going through a fire sale of sorts with players who don't want to be there anymore. While players are expected to be moved out, Duclair could be a piece coming back if the teams are in contact. Noah Hanifin is a defenseman the Panthers have an eye on as they need a serious 2LD upgrade.