The Florida Panthers did a massive trade on Saturday evening, but now they have to make a big decision concerning their goalkeeper.
In an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida exchanged young goalkeeper Spencer Knight and a first round choice for defender Seth Jones and a 4th round choice.
The addition of Jones brings a huge boost to the Blueline of Panthers.
It is excellent for reading the games and blocking photos and adding an offensive element that has missed this season on the back line of the Panthers.
There is no doubt that the chances of Florida to repeat as champions of the Stanley Cup are much better after doing this business.
But now, the director general of Florida, Bill Zito, and his staff must decide how they want to replace Knight.
The old 13th choice in the 23 -year -old general classification has gathered in recent months and played some of his best hockey, the most coherent as a pro.
Zito and co. would have been more than comfortable in another cup pursuit with Knight as a goal of goalkeepers.
With him who is now moving to Chicago, a decision must be made.
Panthers still have 21 games to play in their regular season calendar, including five consecutive sets in 30 days.
Whoever ends up supporting Sergei Bobrovsky, they will do much more than sit on the bench.
The NHL trade deadline is Friday.
Will Zito target another goalkeeper by then? This is the question.
Flame goalkeeper Dan Vladar, who had a hell of a performance in a defeat against Sunrise’s Panthers on Saturday, plays on an expired contact of $ 2.2 million and is available.
Obviously, the veteran John Gibson is a guy with whom any team would be more than comfortable as part of his tandem in the playoffs, but his price of $ 6.4 million is a little high, and he takes place until 2027.
If we mention Gibson, we must also add Jordan Binnington and his $ 6 million contract to the mixture of guys that Florida would surely like, but should probably finance finances to have meaning. Its agreement also takes place until 2027.
Less expensive options on expiration contracts are also available.
Anton Forsberg of Ottawa won $ 2.75 million, David Rittich de Los Angeles won $ 1 million, and Karel Vejmelka de l’Utah plays on an agreement of $ 2.725, but the three will be free agents without restriction at the end of this season.
The goalkeepers of San Jose, Alexandar Georgiev and Vitek Vanecek, would be available and each playing on respective safe blows of $ 3.4 million.
Goalkeeper No. 3 of Florida, Chris Driedger.
It is dried, Knight’s spot, at least in the short term, should be apparently necessary, while Zito assesses the situation.
We will see how things take place in next week.
Stay listening.
Legend for the photo at the top of the page: December 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, can; Calgary Flames Dan Vladar’s goalkeeper (80) stopped against the Blue Jackets in Columbus during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. (Images Sergei Belski-Imagn)
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