NHL Rumors: Ducks & Panthers Emerging as Potential Trade Partners

The Florida Panthers are gearing up for what should be a busy 2024 NHL Trade Deadline for them. They are among the top teams in the NHL, so they are understandably expected to be active buyers at the deadline. Frank Seravalli recently noted in an article for Daily Faceoff that the Panthers should be aiming to add a third-pairing right-shot defenseman. Due to this, one player who the Panthers could have on their radar over the next several weeks is Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin.

Lyubushkin is expected to be on the move in the upcoming weeks, as he is on an expiring deal, and the Anaheim Ducks are among the worst teams in the NHL. With that, he should be a hot commodity, as he is a shutdown defenseman who plays an immensely heavy game. So, in other words, he is a player built for the playoffs and could be a big addition for the Panthers if acquired because of it.

The Panthers certainly could use a bit more grit on their blue line, too, as they notably lost Radko Gudas to the Ducks through free agency this offseason. As a result, Lyubushkin could make up for some of the toughness and grit that was lost with Gudas leaving the club.

It will be interesting to see if the Cats end up making a push for Lyubushkin from here. On paper, there appears to be a potential good fit here, but time will tell if a move comes to fruition.