Even though Brad Marchand recently backed Dylan Larkin and went against NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, which many saw as the Panthers’ veteran building a bridge with the Red Wings‘ former captain, it seems a trade between Florida and Detroit won’t materialize anytime soon.

“Just been told that Aleksander Barkov’s injury will sideline him in the range of 10-12 weeks. That timeline would have him returning around Christmas/New Year,” as reported by Armando Velez of Locked On Panthers.

Barkov on LTIR

While the Panthers have yet to officially announce a timeline for their injured captain, the report of a 10-12-week absence could make sense. As it is, the Cats have placed Barkov on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). Being on LTIR means Barkov will miss at least 10 games in the 2026-27 NHL season.

Since he went down in Game 2/84, he’s been out for one more game as the Panthers fell in overtime to the Anaheim Ducks. However, it looks like Barkov will miss more than 10 games.

The silver lining remains, though, that Barkov appears to have dodged a season-ending lower-body injury. If there’s one roster that can survive without the best two-way player in the NHL, it might as well be the Panthers, but they saw last year how quickly a season can go off the rails, and they must nip the injury bug in the bud before it wreaks havoc inside the locker room.

What it means for Larkin

As for the Larkin rumors, if Barkov indeed avoided a season-ending injury and could be back before the end of December, Florida could be out of the running for the Red Wings’ disgruntled forward. In the event Barkov’s injury turns out to be worse than currently expected, though, things might change. However, it’s all still uncertain.

Moreover, Larkin is currently on IR and dealing with an upper-body injury, so even if the Cats found themselves in desperate need of a center, Larkin may not be able to play right away. However, many have their doubts about the severity of Larkin’s setback, with speculation that his injury designation is merely a figurehead and that it’s Detroit’s excuse to keep him—and the distracting buzz around him—away from the team.

Lastly, the Panthers may not have or be willing to part with the kind of package the Red Wings are after in return for Larkin. Detroit may have lost leverage due to Larkin’s public trade request, but it still has him signed for the next five seasons, and until an NHL club meets the asking price, the Wings can hold on to Larkin. The relationship appears to be well past the point of no return, so any more bad blood between the two sides would make little difference.

Key takeaways

• Florida Panthers might stall trading for Dylan Larkin as Aleksander Barkov avoids season-ending injury.
• Aleksander Barkov is on long-term injured reserve and expected out 10–12 weeks.
• Detroit Red Wings maintain leverage with their former captain signed for five seasons.

“While it might be good for a player in a particular case, we have to look at what’s good for the game, the players overall and the league. It’s something we’re going to keep an eye on. I think we’ve gotten past the way no-trade clauses were originally intended,” Bettman admitted on Sportsnet 590 Toronto. “I don’t think that’s a good thing. I don’t think it’s good for the player, the club or the fans’ connection to the game.”

Coming across Bettman’s statement through a post on Instagram, Marchand shared his true thoughts on the matter, backing players across the NHL, namely Larkin, who is in the eye of the storm after requesting a trade out of the Detroit Red Wings, but barely providing a handful of destinations to be sent to.

“[Laughing out loud] this goes both ways,” Marchand commented through his Instagram account. “I guess it’s okay if a team signs you to a long-term deal and wants to trade you, but not if you want out during that term. Broken system.”

Marchand could be luring Larkin to Florida

At 38 years old, Marchand has been around in the NHL for a long time. He’s seen the changes over the last few years and has often been on the players’ side in league-wide debates. However, considering Larkin could finally be traded to the Florida Panthers as they await an injury update on Aleksander Barkov, it might also be that Marchand finds himself with an agenda to carry out.

Perhaps he isn’t defending Larkin for the sake of playing devil’s advocate and going against the commissioner, but because he senses Larkin may soon become his teammate. That’s just a theory, though, but it could turn out to be true.

Hellebuyck is another name linked to Florida, and one Marchand may be trying to build a bridge to, but after signing Jakob Markstrom in the offseason, it’s less likely the Panthers can actually pull off that trade.

Marchand has an NMC, too

Lastly, Marchand may not be looking to defend any particular interest and simply speak his mind. At the end of the day, the NHL hinges on its stars, and Marchand is one of the most vocal ones among them.

Moreover, Marchand may want to defend no-trade clauses for his own sake. Not only is he signed through the next five seasons under a full NMC, but he was able to work his way out of the Boston Bruins and to a Stanley Cup in Sunrise, in part thanks to his modified no-trade clause, along with the perfect timing of an expiring contract in Massachusetts.

Had no-trade clauses been taken off the playbook, the past few seasons could’ve turned out very differently for Marchand.

Key takeaways

• Brad Marchand criticized Gary Bettman’s comments regarding player no-trade clauses.
• Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that current no-trade clauses reflect a broken system.
• Florida Panthers are monitoring potential center trade targets amid injury concerns.

In a game in which Brad Marchand was already not playing for the Panthers against the San Jose Sharks, the Cats lost their best player midway through the game. After an awkward fall near a corner, Barkov immediately headed down the tunnel and didn’t return. The Panthers are still awaiting the results of an MRI.

Although head coach Paul Maurice addressed the issue and explained that it’s “not related to his injury last year at all,” Panthers fans still have reason to worry that it might be a long-term absence for the franchise player, who just returned from an ACL/MCL injury suffered last offseason.

Panthers could go after Larkin

Obviously, it’s all far from ideal and a tough break for the best two-way player in the NHL, and a talent who is a treat to watch. Still, the domino effect from the unfortunate event that occurred in San Jose could have an immediate effect in Detroit, where Larkin isn’t playing for the Red Wings against the New York Rangers in the home opener, and he may finally be traded.

All that hinges on the extent and severity of Barkov’s injury. Until now, the Cats had limited interest in Larkin as their top-nine center core included Barkov, Sam Bennett, and Anton Lundell. If Barkov happens to be out for an extended period of the 2026-27 NHL season, it’s safe to assume general manager Bill Zito will get involved right away. And the obvious candidate is the Olympic gold medalist in Detroit.

If Barkov misses time, Panthers won’t waste theirs

After back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025, the Cats watched their aspirations spiral out of control due to injuries last season. Needless to say, they will fight with claws and teeth to avoid repeating that in 2026-27, and with a top-six center available at a discount price because he is actively pushing to leave Motor City, it all sounds like an offer too good for the risk-taking, dynasty-chasing Panthers to pass on.

When one door closes, another one opens. That’s the way life works, and the NHL is no different. No one wants to see Barkov get injured, but if that means there’s a scenario in which Larkin arrives in Sunrise and Barkov is able to join the team later in the season, it might work out just fine for Florida.

Barkov set to get MRI

For the time being, suspense will prevail, though. Until the Cats get the results from Barkov’s MRI scan, it’s all conjecture. He can’t be ruled out, and Larkin must be considered a Red Wing, even if he isn’t playing due to a, at the very least, eyebrow-raising upper-body injury given its timing.

Key takeaways

• Aleksander Barkov left midway through the Sharks game after an awkward corner fall.
• Dylan Larkin was held out of Detroit’s home opener due to injury amid trade drama.
• Back-to-back Stanley Cup champions Florida could seek immediate center help if injury concerns turn real.

Brad Marchand is out for the start of the NHL season as he is still rehabbing from offseason surgery on an undisclosed injury. Though the two-time Stanley Cup champion (2011 with the Boston Bruins and 2025 with the Florida Panthers) didn’t reveal the nature or location of his injury, he did disclose that it had been lingering for a while.

Marchand attempted to play through it and avoid surgery, but in the end, that wasn’t viable. The 38-year-old had to pay a visit to the operating room ahead of the 2026-27 NHL campaign. As a result, he will also miss the Panthers’ away game against the Sharks.

“Unfortunately I had to have surgery,” Marchand revealed over the summer through his social media. “I was trying to fix without surgery but unfortunately that wasn’t able to happen and had to kind of do it last minute. With the time and the recovery I’m going to need I won’t be able to make it and play in [Zee’s Final Shift, the farewell charity game for Zdeno Chara].”

How long will Marchand be out for the Panthers?

The original timeline announced by Marchand, Paul Maurice, and the Panthers pointed to the veteran winger missing at least the entire first month of the NHL regular season. With that timeline, Marchand’s return would have been trending toward November. However, Marchand has been making progress, even to Maurice’s amazement, and he might be back earlier than expected.

“He is probably further ahead than we thought,’’ Maurice said per Florida Hockey Now. “The window is still there. So, I don’t know where he is at, but I think he is closer than the end of the month.“

Maurice’s injury update came on the heels of Marchand’s appearance at practice alongside the rest of the Panthers after the win over the Carolina Hurricanes on opening night of the NHL season. It was Marchand’s second on-ice appearance since the surgery, and perhaps the first truly meaningful one, as his previous one came during training camp when the team was going through a skills-heavy workout.

Who is replacing Marchand on the Panthers?

With Marchand placed on Injured Reserve (IR) by the Panthers, the team needed someone to fill in for the veteran on the third line alongside Finnish duo Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. Rookie Sandis Vilmanis has been placed by Maurice alongside Lundell and Luostarinen and could remain there until Marchand is cleared to play again.

Vilmanis made his NHL debut last season and has played 20 games since. The former fifth-round pick in 2022 was a pleasant surprise for the Cats amid the turmoil and injury bug last season, earning the coaches’ trust and the honor of playing on Florida’s third line.

Though outside the top six, the Panthers’ third forward group can match up against any line in the league. At least, it did when Marchand was healthy, and the expectation remains unchanged despite his injury. Thus, Vilmanis is in for a tall order.

Key takeaways

• Brad Marchand missed the Panthers’ start while rehabbing from offseason surgery.
• Head coach Paul Maurice noted Marchand is progressing ahead of schedule.
• Sandis Vilmanis was placed on Florida’s third line to replace Marchand.

Where did Bobrovsky land for the season? The Russian goaltender agreed to an intriguing deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a three-year, $21 million contract.

With that in mind, Maurice has two goaltenders at his disposal for the new campaign. Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid will be the two netminders tasked with protecting the Panthers’ goal and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard.

Bobrovsky’s time in Florida

Sergei Bobrovsky arrived in Sunrise as a marquee unrestricted free agent in July 2019, signing a massive seven-year, $70 million contract that immediately established him as the franchise’s cornerstone goaltender. Already a two-time Vezina Trophy winner during his time with Columbus, Bobrovsky’s tenure with the Panthers evolved from early scrutiny into a defining championship legacy.

Over six core seasons with South Florida, he amassed well over 150 regular-season victories—highlighted by a franchise-record 39 wins in the 2021–22 campaign—and posted a reliable GAA hovering around 2.60 to go with a .907 save percentage.

His ultimate impact came in the postseason, where Officer Bobrovsky anchored three consecutive Prince of Wales trophies and back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025, forever altering the trajectory of the Florida Panthers organization.

Key takeaways

• Sergei Bobrovsky left Florida after contract negotiations broke down over a no-movement clause.
• The goaltender signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Toronto.
• Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid will serve as the Panthers’ netminders this season.

During the recent offseason, Marchand underwent surgery to address a lingering lower-body injury, meaning the veteran forward will be unable to join his teammates for the first few games of the season.

“Unfortunately I had to have surgery,” he recently revealed. “I was trying to fix without surgery but unfortunately that wasn’t able to happen and had to kind of do it last minute. With the time and the recovery I’m going to need I won’t be able to make it and play in the game.”

While there is no exact timetable for his return, there could be more clarity throughout October. Both Paul Maurice and GM Bill Zito intend to handle the situation cautiously, although it is not considered a long-term issue.

The Panthers need Marchand

The Florida Panthers need Brad Marchand’s veteran grit and offensive firepower as they look to turn things around after a tough 2025-26 campaign. During that season, Marchand proved he can still deliver top-tier production despite battling injuries, posting 27 goals and 54 points in just 52 games.

The Panthers desperately need that scoring depth and physical edge on the ice, especially after finishing 7th in the Atlantic Division with an 84-point record (40-38-4) and missing out on the postseason standard they set during their recent championship runs.

Marchand’s proven track record as a clutch playoff performer and crucial depth scorer provides Florida with the leadership and energy necessary to climb back up the divisional standings.

Florida’s first challenges

Maurice’s team will kick off its 2026-27 NHL regular season campaign with a four-game road trip through Carolina and California. Panthers’ season opener vs Hurricanes at PNC Arena is followed by a matchup against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center on Thursday, October 1.

They then visit the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on Sunday, October 4, before wrapping up the opening swing against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, October 6, right before returning home against the Minnesota Wild on October 10.

Key takeaways

• Brad Marchand will miss the season opener while recovering from lower-body surgery.
• He posted 27 goals and 54 points in 52 games last season.
• Florida opens its season against Carolina on Tuesday, September 29.

Jack Hughes and Luke Hughes are also teammates on the New Jersey Devils entering the 2026-27 NHL season. For the time being, older brother Quinn Hughes is staying with the Minnesota Wild and has yet to join his siblings to fulfill the family dream. But it feels more like a matter of when rather than if.

Both Jack and Luke, unlike Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, were drafted by the Devils, both in the first round (Jack was first overall in 2019 and Luke was the fourth overall selection in 2021). The Tkachuks both landed on the Panthers, via trades from their Canadian teams (the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators).

While the Hughes share a unique distinction as both first-round picks by the same club, they aren’t the only brothers to be drafted by the same team and still be playing together entering the 2026-27 NHL season.

The Protas and Folignos will also play together in 2026-27

The Washington Capitals selected Aliaksei Protas with a third-round pick in 2019 and followed it up by drafting his younger brother Ilya with another third-round selection five years later in 2024. Though Ilya Protas only played four games with the Capitals last season, he’s been named to Washington’s opening-night roster for 2026-27, marking another sibling duo for the year.

Lastly, Marcus and Nick Foligno joined forces ahead of the trade deadline last season when the Minnesota Wild completed a trade for former Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick. The brothers remain together in Minnesota entering the new campaign and are expected to share ice time on the Wild’s fourth line.

Pittsburgh has twins on its system

A curious situation is brewing around the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 2026 NHL Draft, the organization selected Liam Ruck with the 22nd overall pick. Not long after, the Pens drafted his twin, Markus Ruck, with the 39th overall selection. The two played together for Pittsburgh in the preseason but will start the 2026-27 season back with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.

They are expected to play at the NCAA level in 2027-28 after both twins committed to the University of North Dakota, but it may not be long before the Ruck twins are called up to the NHL by the Penguins. That brother duo will have to wait its turn, but it sure is coming.

Key takeaways

• The Florida Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk via trade to join his brother Matthew.
• Jack and Luke Hughes enter the 2026-27 NHL season as teammates on New Jersey.
• Ilya Protas made Washington’s opening-night roster, joining his brother Aliaksei on the Capitals.

Still, there may finally be progress. After months of slow-moving business and refreshing his inbox only to see everything stay the same, Laine may actually be getting interest from teams across the NHL. A report at least suggests that four teams are showing interest.

Namely, and in no particular order, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning. This is according to Ottawa Citizen reporter Bruce Garrioch, who also hinted that the Ottawa Senators looked into Laine but that it may only be a false alarm.

Maple Leafs and Panthers seem favorites

The Maple Leafs have long been linked to Laine. So much so that a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buds stopped sounding like a crazy thing to happen in the NHL. That’s how much the Leafs were rumored to be testing the waters around Laine.

Still, for whatever reason, a trade involving Laine between the eternal Canadian foes never happened. Laine’s contract has expired, and he is now up for grabs. Toronto doesn’t have much to lose, so it could be the perfect opportunity.

As for the Panthers, we’ve talked about how great a fit the two are countless times and why it makes sense on virtually every front. The fact that Florida is set to miss Brad Marchand for some time only makes Laine an even more appealing solution.

Question marks around Laine

Every team is aware of what a healthy Laine can bring to the ice. Toronto, Florida, Dallas, Tampa Bay, and even those franchises that haven’t expressed interest know what he is capable of. However, the real dilemma is how much an NHL organization might be willing to pay and commit, and whether the once 40-plus-goal scorer will accept it.

Laine running out of options

Running out of time in the hourglass, Laine may have no option but to sign a professional tryout deal (PTO). There doesn’t seem to be a bidder with a better offer, at least not in North America. It’s either that or traveling across the Atlantic to the Old World.

Laine is still relatively young, so a strong season in Europe could land him back in the NHL, but it remains a risky gamble. Oftentimes, there is no coming back, and a year out of the league doesn’t always pan out.

Hellebuyck’s trade list has yet to be disclosed, but there may be no need for it. According to most reports around the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres have been linked to Hellebuyck for a while. Maybe now is the time a deal actually gets done. However, the Sabres aren’t alone, and there will be other teams all over the 33-year-old netminder, who is under contract through the 2030-31 NHL season.

Carrying a more-than-reasonable $8.5 million cap hit and with a maximum total salary of $10 million in the next five seasons, there are no salary-cap concerns around Hellebuyck. However, most of the teams being linked to him may have to work some magic in order to land the Michigan native. When there’s a will, there’s a way, though, and some of Hellebuyck’s potential suitors have a history of making moves even amid a cap crunch.

Potential suitors for Hellebuyck

Buffalo is the favorite. It possesses the prospects, draft picks, and, most importantly, the cap space to land Hellebuyck. However, with the goalie holding the key to his exit, it may not come down to who has the best offer.

The Sabres saw their magical 2025-26 campaign come to a crushing end, in part because they could never firmly establish their starting goaltender. Hellebuyck would solve that, not only for next season but for five straight years, and perhaps even longer.

In addition to the Sabres, other teams who could be all over Hellebuyck include: the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vegas Golden Knights. Let’s take a closer look at each of these Stanley Cup contenders, and why they could be Hellebuyck’s next destination.

Panthers could add yet another Infinity Stone

The Panthers have been favorites to land Hellebuyck ever since reports broke of the goalie’s frustration in Manitoba. What’s not to like about Florida? Playing for arguably the best team in the NHL when healthy, joining an undeniable Stanley Cup contender, reuniting with fellow Team USA teammates Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, and, to top it off, joining a franchise in a no-income-tax state.

From the Panthers’ standpoint, the main deterrent is that they just signed Jacob Markstrom to a two-year, $12 million contract ($6 million cap hit). They could always trade Markstrom to Winnipeg, but that would hinge on whether Markstrom hasn’t included the Jets on his 20-team no-trade list.

The Cats also have less than $35,000 available in cap space, which complicates a move for Hellebuyck. But that doesn’t feel like as big of an issue when they have Bill Zito working his craft behind the scenes. Adding Hellebuyck could be Florida’s best chance at replacing Sergei Bobrovsky and getting back to a Stanley Cup Final next year.

As for Hellebuyck, the Panthers may give him the best chance at winning a Stanley Cup in his NHL career while reuniting him with former head coach Paul Maurice. It just makes too much sense.

Hurricanes plus Hellebuyck: Back to back dream

In addition to the suspense around RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin, the reigning Stanley Cup champions face a large, unavoidable question in net. Frederik Andersen left for the Edmonton Oilers, and although Brandon Bussi proved he can hold his ground, the Hurricanes are missing a bona fide elite goaltender to cruise their way through the flagging Metropolitan Division and be firing on all cylinders by the time the postseason starts.

Carolina has roughly $9.8 million available in cap space, via PuckPedia, so that won’t prevent it from going after Hellebuyck. In Raleigh, Hellebuyck could reunite with fellow Team USA member Jaccob Slavin. That seems to be a trend among the gold medalists who asked out of their organizations after the national team provided them with the long-yearned-for feeling of being on a championship team.

Lastly, the Hurricanes own three of their next four first-round picks in the NHL Draft, which could come in handy in negotiations with the Jets. Entering a new season, no team is more favored to win than the reigning champs, and judging by the fact that there have been two back-to-back champions since the turn of the decade, if Hellebuyck wants to win now, Carolina might be his safest bet.

Hellebuyck can become a Golden Knight

Falling just short of the Stanley Cup last season, Vegas isn’t going anywhere. Bruce Cassidy and John Tortorella are gone, Ryan Craig is now in charge, but these are still the same old Golden Knights. If there’s a big name out there making himself available, best believe they will be all over it—and especially a goaltender like Hellebuyck.

However, Vegas has a lot of hurdles in the way. The organization in Sin City is currently $8.6 million over the salary cap, but it could always gain some ground by making timely long-term injured reserve (LTIR) decisions. The Knights could also clear some space by moving Adin Hill, maybe in exchange for Hellebuyck while giving up something more. Hill carries a $6.25 million cap hit. As long as Winnipeg’s name isn’t written on his 10-team no-trade list, the deal could happen.

The Golden Knights can’t trade either of their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, as both have already been dealt on conditional terms. All in all, the Knights face a steep climb to make a trade for Hellebuyck, with battles on several fronts. However, if there’s one thing an organization named the Vegas Golden Knights will never back down from, it’s a fight and a gamble. Making a move for Hellebuyck provides both in perfect measure, so expect the Knights to be a player at this table.

The Cats, however, make a lot of sense as an NHL landing spot for Laine—even if it’s only on a professional tryout contract (PTO). It’s been reported that Laine and his camp have no wish to sign such an uncertain deal.

However, seeing how tough the market is out there and with no better offer guaranteed to come forward, it may be only a matter of time before Laine accepts such terms. That the Panthers will offer him such a deal, however, is far from certain, and a report states that nothing has actually happened between the two sides.

“There has been some speculation that Florida could make such an offer to Patrik Laine. That, as of right now, is simply just speculative,” George Richards reported on Florida Hockey Now.

Panthers could use someone like Laine

With Brad Marchand expected to miss time—how much exactly remains unknown—during the 2026-27 NHL season, the Panthers are staring at a glaring hole on their third line. Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen are two of the most underrated two-way forwards in the league, but could really use some scoring help. Provided he finds his footing, who better than Laine?

That’s not to say Florida expects the former Montreal Canadiens forward to score 44 goals like he did in his sophomore season (2017-18), but rather somewhere in between that career year and his recent 20-goal season in 2024-25 with the Habs. In addition to the obvious need in the top nine for Florida, there is another link between Laine and the Panthers.

Maurice could reunite with Laine in South Florida

Head coach Paul Maurice was in charge in Winnipeg when the Jets drafted Laine second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. With Maurice, Laine had the best seasons of his career. Under Maurice’s orders, Laine appeared in 306 games, scoring 140 goals and assisting on another 110 for a total of 250 points.

Laine would be in for a steep climb in Florida, but that would apply to any new destination. In Sunrise, he could reunite with the head coach who got the best out of him while joining forces with fellow Finns Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola. Not just that, but he could complete an all-Suomi line with Lundell and Luostarinen.

The ball is in Florida’s court now. It remains to be seen if they move beyond the rumor phase and go through with a deal, or if it all stays a case of what could’ve been—yet another in the long list in NHL history.

According to Nestor Quixtan from Heavy.com, the Panthers might have the ideal replacement to Marchand in Laine, who is sitting around in free agency. Although there would be several questions to be addressed mostly regarding the contract term, Laine may have all the ingredients of the kind of player that thrives in Sunrise.

Doubted, mocked, called to an early retirement, yet fueled by it all. That’s been a recipe for success for the Panthers before. Under Bill Zito, the Cats have channeled the best from players many around the NHL had given up on. Laine could be the latest addition to that list, and why not? A new name engraved on the Stanley Cup by season’s end. Because if Florida can stay healthy, there aren’t many teams that can take them out in a best-of-seven playoff series.

Contract concerns for Laine and Panthers

For Laine, however, it would also be a matter of being offered a contract worth his while. Where exactly that line is, though, remains unclear. Coming off a five-game season and facing concerns on several fronts—including injuries and his overall ability to produce consistently—Laine may not be able to ask for much. The Panthers, moreover, can’t hand out too much, either.

Aside from the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Dallas Stars, who are over the cap, the Panthers currently have the narrowest cap space, with a measly $34,000 available, according to PuckPedia. In order to strike a deal with Laine, the Cats would have to make a roster move and, even then, sign Laine to a bonus-laden, performance-based deal.

Whether Laine would accept such an uncertain contract remains the biggest question. As confident in himself as he might be, Laine is wise enough to know he’d much rather make guaranteed money than chase a potential fortune. Obviously, admitting that even he and his camp are wary of just how productive he may be would be a terrible look, so Laine won’t ever make that feeling public. But there’s reason to believe it’s an actual thought.

Would Laine be a good fit in Florida?

The Panthers know it might be unrealistic to expect Laine to return to his 40-goal form from back in 2017-18. At least not right away, but perhaps he can eventually and gradually grow into a more similar version of himself. Still, Florida won’t toss Laine into a top-six role, largely because they don’t have one up for grabs, either. Instead, the job vacancy is on the third-line wing, where Marchand played alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.

The Panthers don’t know how long Marchand will be out, but it’s always best to prepare for the worst just in case. Laine would bring a very different style from Marchand, nowhere near as energetic or defensively committed, but he could compensate with depth scoring. He could also take a second power-play unit to the next level, granting the Cats a two-headed monster in the man advantage.

To Florida’s fortune, Lundell and Luostarinen can hold it down defensively well enough by themselves. There’s a reason they are mainstays on the penalty kill in Sunrise, and they could take on a little more of the dirty work to allow Laine some freedom to find open spaces in the offensive zone and set up shop. As long as Laine gets his scoring touch back and is available, there might be no problem with that strategy. That’s still a big if, though.

Florida need to fill Marchand’s void

Even at 38, Marchand is irreplaceable for the Cats. There’s no sugarcoating that fact. Still, Laine may be an intriguing option. A completely different one, at that, but one that Paul Maurice may be able to make work regardless.

The Panthers’ key to success, along with an excellent defensive system that grinds out opponents, has always been deeply rooted in their depth scoring and how the Lundell-Luostarinen-Marchand third line could operate in the Stanley Cup Final as efficiently as another team’s first unit.

With Marchand out, that strength will face headwinds. Laine, however, could be a great solution. Most importantly, an unexpected one that could take the league by surprise. Just when the rest of the NHL thinks they have the Panthers figured out, the latest back-to-back champions could pull a rabbit out of their hat.

Biggest question is contract-wise

If Florida can figure out a way around Laine’s financial and term demands and stay cap-compliant at the same time, it seems there would be no harm in giving the experiment a shot. Most likely, Laine will be after some kind of term and job security.

The Panthers, like virtually every team linked to Laine up until this point, may be wary of such a commitment. Florida will likely want to bring Laine in on a professional tryout contract (PTO) or a prove-it deal. Laine may have no appetite for that. Finding that sweet spot in between will be what makes or breaks this potential signing.

If there’s two things Zito has accustomed fans in Broward County to, it’s: winning and always finding a way to make roster-boosting moves. Those traits may also excite Laine, who is well overdue for some success at the NHL level and may be willing to loosen up his end of the rope just to join a Stanley Cup contender, arguably the biggest one in the league.