Florida Panthers Poised To Sign High-Scoring Free Agent D-Man

Despite coming up short, the Florida Panthers had a tremendous run in this year's playoffs. But the work has already begun for 2023-24, as they're apparently poised to bring a high-scoring defenseman over from Europe. 

One of the top players in Sweden, Theodor Lennstrom, is on the verge of joining the Cats for next season on a one-way contract after a report emerging from Swedish online portal Hockey Sverige. He had already signed on with the Swiss champions Genève-Servette for next season, but it appears that he could be using an out-clause for this NHL opportunity. 

It would be his second contract in North America, after the undrafted D-man signed with the Edmonton Oilers in 2020-21 but spent his time either in the minors, or out with health problems. 

In the SHL the last two seasons with Farjestad BK, Lennstrom has been one of the top offensive defensemen, scoring 16 goals and adding 23 assists for 39 points in 45 regular-season games. He registered 14 points in 19 games during the 2022 SHL playoffs to help Farjestad to the league championship. 

Whether he'd crack the Panthers' top-6 blueliners remains to be seen, but they are in need of a left-shot defenseman who can step into the lineup when needed. 

Photo: George Walker IV-USA TODAY Sports