It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We passed the trade deadline over a week ago, but we’re still experiencing the fallout from March 7. Teams may be chasing this years Stanley Cup, but general managers are always thinking about the future. We’ve already seen previous editions of NHL rumours talking about teams restarting contract talks with players.

One of those teams is the Florida Panthers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with the Panthers resuming talks with one of their key forwards.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Florida Panthers Resume Extension Talks with Important Forward

Rumour: During Saturday night’s Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Panthers are restarting contract talks with forward Sam Bennett.

Analysis: Friedman said that both sides of gone back to the negotiating table on a new deal. The 28-year-old forward is in the final year of a deal that sees him making $4.425 million per season. Bennett has another 20-goal season under his belt, but also plays a 200-foot game. He’s an important part of the Panthers’ team identity and general manager Bill Zito would love keep him around.

Florida made some big swings at the trade deadline in getting defenceman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhakws and Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand at the deadline. The Panthers did all they could to defend their Stanley Cup title with those moves. However, players like Bennett have played a large hand in Florida’s success.

Zito will have to make some tough choices in the off-season. Aaron Ekblad is going to need a new deal and one wonders what the future holds for Marchand, who is also an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current campaign.

There will be some tough choices in the coming off-season. However, signing Bennett is going to be one of management’s top priorities.

What It Means

However, Friedman mentioned that there seems to be mutual interest in making a deal happen. The insider said that Bennett would be one of the biggest names to hit the open market should he get there. However, the Panthers are looking to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Friedman mentioned that it’s “been a good marriage” between the two sides. Bennett is in his fourth season with the team and has 98 goals and 190 assists in his tenure with the Cats. His 14 points in last season’s Stanley Cup-winning run were important and so was his physical play.

The Holland Landing, Ontario native has become a fan favourite in South Florida and it seems that both sides want this partnership to last. Finding cap space is always a concern, but Zito will likely make it happen.

Playing in the state of Florida does have an advantage of no state income tax, so a new deal would probably go further. However, there’s always the attraction of playing for a winning team. Being part of a winning culture does make a place stand out more and Florida is doing well.

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Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the New York Islanders taking on the Florida Panthers. Finally, be sure to check out more predictions for all the NHL’s games throughout the 2024-25 season.

NHL Predictions

New York Islanders versus Florida Panthers

Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight time)

TV: ESPN+, SCRIPPS, MSGSN

This matchup features two Eastern Conference opponents having opposite seasons going head-to-head. The Islanders sit sixth in the Metroplitan Division through 65 games played this season. Their record is 29-28-8 in those game which has them at 66 points. Meanwhile, the Panthers stand atop the Atlantic Division. In 67 games played their record is 41-23-3, good for 85 points. This will be the third and final meeting between these two this season. The Panthers have taken the first two games, with one in Florida and one on Long Island. This last matchup will be inside UBS Arena on Long Island where the Islanders will look to avoid getting swept this season series.

The Islanders Story

It has been a rough go as of late for the Islanders, losing their last three games. However, this can’t be too shocking as they elected to sell at this year’s trade deadline. Their most recent defeat came in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers. It has been a struggle for them to produce anything on offence since they traded Brock Nelson away. They have scored only one goal in each of the last three games. This cold stretch has them ranked 30th in the NHL in goals with 173 on the season. Besides trading arguably their best goal scorer, the power play has been nonexistent all season. That unit has ranked near the bottom all season, currently in dead last at 11.7%.

Defensively this team has ranked in the middle of the pack all season. That is where they continue to be now as well, ranked 16th in goals against on the season with 193. Although it is hard to keep the opponent off the scoresheet when your team provides little to no goal support. This trend has left Ilya Sorokin out to dry recently. He has dropped his last two starts but has been better than the record indicates. In his last four appearances, he is 2-1-1 with a 9.33 save percentage and 2.25 goals-against average. The season long numbers are good too despite the team in front of him. He is 24-20-5 with a .906 SV% and a 2.75 GAA.

The Panthers Story

This game will be the second of a back-to-back for the Panthers. They have been playing good hockey coming into this game winning seven of their last 10. However, the lost their game last night 3-1 against the Montreal Canadiens. The offence has been a big reason for their success this season. Scoring three or more goals in six of the last 10. With the 10th ranked power play in the league at 23.9%. They rank seventh in goals this season with 214. Led by team point leader on the top line, Sam Reinhart he has 70 in 67 games, he has six points over his last five games. Mackie Samoskevich has been playing well as of late in their top six. The 22-year-old scored last night and now has five goals and three assists over his last nine games.

The Panthers also sport an elite defence to go along with their offence. Ranking ninth in goals against with 180 on the season. Allowing only more than three goals just twice during the last 10 games. They do this with an effective penalty kill that ranks 11th in the league at 80.9%. Moreover, they do a good job at limiting high danger with 119 against, ninth in the league. Perhaps the most important reason for their good goals against numbers is elite goaltending. Starter Sergei Bobrovsky is 28-15-2 with a .906 SV% and a 2.51 GAA. With Bobrovsky starting last night the Panthers will turn to Vitek  Vaněček. After posting career lows with the Sharks, he recorded a 21 save shutout in his first start with Florida.

NHL Predictions

In this matchup Florida holds every advantage, from offence to defence to special teams. They are the defending champions and among the leagues elite teams. The only advantages the Islanders have is their goalie because the Panthers starter won’t play. Also the fact that they are rested while the Panthers are on a back-to-back. However with these teams trending in opposite directions that rest and goalie advantage will not matter. With the loss last night, the Islanders present the perfect matchup for Florida to get back in the win column.

Prediction: Panthers win 4-2

Prop Bets

Popular sports books have the Panthers as rightful favourites. You can take their money line at -152 and feel good about it. The over/under is set at 5.5, with the elite Panthers offence and their backup goalie in. We like the over at -128. As far as anytime goal scorers, for the Islanders take Bo Horvat at +200. He scored in the last game and with he and the team struggling, the team needs him to do better more consistently. For the Panthers take Mackie Samoskevich at +260. He has been hot as of late and scored just last night so look for him to do it again.

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: TSN4, SCRIPPS, TVAS; ESPN+

There aren’t going to be many regular season games more important than the final three matchups between the Panthers (40-22–3) and division rival Maple Leafs (39-22-3). These teams will get reacquainted over the next month as they battle for the Atlantic Division crown. Florida reminded Toronto who the beast of the East was in the first game winning 5-1. Can the Maple Leafs respond tonight?

Panthers Picking up Plenty of Wins

Florida looked well on their way to picking up their seventh straight win before blowing a 2-0 third period lead to the Boston Bruins and losing 3-2. This should make for an unhappy squad as they head to Toronto for their second game of a six-game road trip. While the Bruins got the win the Panthers might ultimately get the last laugh as the have former Bruins captain and Maple Leaf killer Brad Marchand on their side now. Luckily for Toronto he is still week-to-week and won’t play tonight.

Marchand isn’t the only big name missing from the Panthers lineup at the moment. With so many absences it has allowed an unsung hero to take on a bigger role. Mackie Samoskevich has been getting a chance in the top-6 and is producing. He has four points in the last five games. Add him to the long list of players the Maple Leafs will have to shut down including the usual suspects like Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov.

Toronto Back on Home Ice

Toronto also blew a multi-goal lead in their last game. Unlike the Panthers the Maple Leafs were able to pull out a 4-3 shootout win against the Utah Hockey Club. That was the final game of a stretch that saw them play 11 out of 13 games on the road. Toronto will now have a four game homestand to introduce the fans to some new players. Both deadline acquisitions Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton will be making their home debuts tonight.

The Leafs were hoping to have a familiar face back as well in Chris Tanev. He practiced yesterday but didn’t take part in line rushes so a return is unlikely. The Maple Leafs will need to improve their leaky defensive play without him. Anthony Stolarz would certainly appreciate that as he gets a second chance to face his former team. The first opportunity didn’t go so well as he allowed four goals on 23 shots. He could use some run support tonight after only seeing his team score once in the first meeting. It would be a good night for Auston Matthews to get on the scoreboard again.

Prediction

Starting tonight the next three games between these two could be a playoff preview. Expect some tone setting throughout. For some reason Eastern teams coming back from out West sometimes don’t have their best in the first game back. However, no excuses for Toronto. This game is too important with the teams only separated by two points. The big question is how will the Leafs handle the Panthers forecheck? It always seems to give them trouble. Carlo was brought in to help with that.

Prediction: Panthers win 3-2.

Prop Bets of The Night

We wrap up NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Reinhart has scored 5 goals in his last 5 games against Toronto. He is + 165 as an anytime goal scorer tonight. For the Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner scored their lone goal in the first meeting. He is +270 to score tonight.

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions! Every day, Last Word on Hockey provides insights and analysis to predict the outcome of the games on the NHL schedule. Today, we will examine the matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins. Be sure to check out all of our NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season approaches the playoff race.

NHL Predictions

2024-25 Head-to-Head: Panthers 2-1 Bruins

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: NESN; SN; ESPN+

The Bruins (29-28-8) play host to the Panthers (40-21-3) Tuesday night at TD Garden in a highly anticipated matchup between two heated rivals. This game will be the fourth and final meeting between these two Atlantic division clubs. Florida leads the season series 2-1, winning the first two games in October, while Boston won their last meeting in January. The Bruins are entering a new phase as an organization, while the Panthers remain Stanley Cup contenders. Although he is out with an injury, Brad Marchand returns to Boston just four days after being dealt to Florida.

Next Man Up Mentality for Florida

On Monday, March 10th, Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games for violating the NHL’s terms of performance enhancing substance program. Tuesday’s meeting with the Bruins will be the Panthers first game after Ekblad’s suspension. They must get used to life without their former first overall pick as he will be out the remainder of the regular season. Luckily, Florida has the defensive depth to overcome the void that Ekblad will leave.

Newly acquired blueliner, Seth Jones will need to step into an ever bigger role. Since joining the Panthers, Jones has averaged 21:03 of time-on-ice per game. Expect the 30-year-old to receive Ekblad’s minutes moving forward. Although they’re severely shorthanded, the Bruins are a great test for Jones to jump into a bigger role. Additionally, Gustav Forsling will need to continue to lead the Florida blueline, starting in Boston, as they try to take two points from the Bruins.

Florida has had a tremendous amount of success against Boston as of late. The Cats have knocked out the B’s out of the playoffs in heartbreaking fashion the last two years. Every game between these two in recent years has been a playoff like atmosphere. With Matthew Tkachuk out, Sam Bennett will have to lead the Panthers heavy forecheck on Boston’s depleted d-core. This game will be a big test for the now shorthanded Panthers as they get used to life without Ekblad and Tkachuk.

Bruins Should Make it Personal

The Boston Bruins are currently fighting for their playoff lives. Although their recent transactions may seem like they have thrown in the white towel, the players have no plans on giving up. Tuesday’s matchup is a terrific time for the B’s to start an unexpected push for the playoffs. The Bruins currently sit four points out of the second wild card spot. After two consecutive strong games, another solid 6o-minute effort against the defending champions would go a long way. Especially if two points come with it.

Given their recent post-season blunders against the Panthers, the Bruins have grown a hatred for the Sunshine State. If the past few years weren’t enough, the Panthers stealing the Bruins captain should be enough for the team to be fired up ahead of this meeting. Despite Marchand being out with an injury, Boston should take this one personal by matching Florida’s physicality and work ethic. Even if playoffs are too far out of reach, stealing a win from the team that has had your number will build confidence of the new era of Bruins hockey.

The Black and Gold’s newest additions all had strong debuts in their 4-0 win over Tampa Bay on Saturday. Casey Mittelstadt, Henri Jokiharju, Jakub Lauko, and Marat Khusnutdinov were all effective in their first time donning the spoked B. For the Bruins to come away with an enormous victory, another strong effort is needed from the new arrivals. For Boston to have a realistic shot at the postseason, they need to win at least 12 of their final 17 games, which would give them 90 points. A win on Tuesday gives them a great start towards reaching that number.

NHL Predictions

Although the Bruins are still without Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, the Bruins d-core has remained steady. They will need to continue to be just that as they face a fierce Florida forecheck. Boston should be treating this one like a playoff game for a multitude of reasons. Florida will have to get used to playing without Ekblad after the shocking development. Led by David Pastrnak, the Bruins determination may be too much for Florida to handle on the road.

Prediction: Bruins Win 3-1

Prop Bets of the Night:

Although he has remained on the score sheet, Pastrnak has not scored since March 1st. As a +105 anytime goal scorer, expect Pasta to break that slump and find the back of the net in his second game as the Bruins new leader. As for the Panthers, Sam Reinhart is a +150 score. Reinhart has five goals in his last three games against the Bruins. Boston is a +175 underdog at home.

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The Florida Panthers were hit with some big news early on Monday evening. News broke that Panthers defenceman Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games. The punishment comes from violation of the terms of the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program, the league announced Monday.

Panthers Aaron Ekblad has been suspended for 20 games on Monday without pay for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program.

— TSN (@tsnofficial.bsky.social) 2025-03-10T21:59:51.938Z

Aaron Ekblad Suspended 20 Games by NHL

Ekblad has only played for the Panthers across his 11-year NHL career. The 2014-15 Calder Trophy winner has three goals and 30 assists for 33 points in 56 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 55.9 and a relative Corsi of 1.0.

The Windsor, Ontario native has 118 goals and 262 assists for 380 points in 732 career games. Florida originally drafted Ekblad first overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. He was a standout player in the major junior ranks with the Barrie Colts of the OHL.

“As the NHL announced, I have been suspended for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance enhancing substances program,” Ekblad said in a statement. “The news that I had failed a random drug test was a shock. Ultimately, I made a mistake by taking something to help me recover from recent injuries without first checking with proper medical and team personnel.

The 29-year-old has represented his native Canada at the junior and senior levels. He was also part of Team North America during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

What It Means

Florida loses a big part of its blueline group for the stretch drive. The Panthers are in a three-way battle with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division. General manager Bill Zito did get Seth Jones at the trade deadline, but losing Ekblad will leave a massive hole in the lineup.

The Panthers have 18 games left in the regular season. This means that he will be out for the Panthers’ first two Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Ekblad is also an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. There has been some uncertainty on if he’ll be back in South Florida in 2025-26 and beyond. He’s been a big part of the franchise, but the money may not be there to keep him.

Main photo by: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Brad Marchand will not spend his entire NHL career with the Boston Bruins, a surprise to many. The 36-year-old has been traded to the Florida Panthers. Details came across the waiver wire late into Friday’s deadline evening. However, they came in and they are about what you would expect. The only real downside is the lack of advantage a Panther pick would tend to garner you. First of all, Florida 50% retains on Marchand’s salary. Also, the pick is either a first or second rounder, depending if Marchand plays enough this season or not. If he plays in the playoffs, he must appear in a quarter of their playoff games. It is hard to take for Bruin fans who are firmly in a retool but at least it gives the legend a shot at the Stanley Cup this year.

Sweeney didn’t mention this in his presser (and wasn’t asked if there was retention).

So that makes it:

FLA gets:
Marchand (50% retained)

BOS gets:
2027 conditional 2nd (becomes 1st if Marchand plays in 25% of FLA’s games in 1st+2nd rds. of 2025 playoffs). https://t.co/4jtxjWExXc

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) March 7, 2025

Boston Bruins Trade Brad Marchand

Marchand’s contract was set to expire after this season. While it at one time seemed it was unlikely the Bruins would let their captain walk, the time came for the team to seek assets to avoid losing him in free agency and getting nothing in return.

Marchand is not the first Bruins forward to be traded this week. Trent Frederic was traded on Tuesday to the Oilers.

Marchand’s Career Has Had Highs, Lows, And Controversy

Marchand’s first full season in 2010-11 could not have gone any better for the Bruins and for Marchand. The youngster continuously proved at the NHL level, resulting in promotions from the fourth line all the way up to the first line. In 25 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marchand scored 11 goals and recorded eight assists. In Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, Marchand scored two goals and added an assist. Marchand’s performance helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup.

The following three seasons saw Marchand post good numbers, but he also had inconsistent streaks. An elbow injury and a divided locker room stalled Marchand and the Bruins for repeating their 2011 success.

Marchand received an eight-year extension prior to the 2016-17 season. After a career-best season, Marchand looked to build upon that in 2017-18.

Boston Bruins Captain Injury Update

The Pest

The 2017-18 season saw Marchand develop the reputation of being a “pest” on the ice. Marchand received his first suspension in January 0f 2018 for an illegal hit to the head.

Marchand’s on-ice antics intensified in that season’s playoffs. After various incidents involving Marchand licking the faces of opponents in post-play scuffles, the NHL informed Marchand and the Bruins that disciplinary action would be taken if it continued.

2019-Present; Becoming The Captain

Marchand’s antics decreased after the 2018 playoffs. Instead, Marchand continued to be a force on offence, scoring 36 goals in 2018-19. However, Marchand struggled once the Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Final, scoring just two goals in seven games. In Game 7, Marchand went to the bench too early late in the first period, allowing more ice for Alex Pietrangelo to score the eventual series-winning goal.

Marchand would continue to have success on offence in the following seasons. However, the Bruins failed to succeed in the playoffs. The most heartbreaking loss for the Bruins would be losing a 3-1 series lead in the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Marchand’s dedication to the Bruins was awarded. After many seasons playing under captains Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron, Marchand was named the Bruins captain.

New Team

Marchand brings offensive skill and Stanley Cup experience to his new team. He may be 36 years old, but Marchand is still capable of capitalizing on chances in the offensive zone.

His absence will certainly be felt in the Bruins locker room. On the other hand, his presence will be felt with the defending Stanley Cup Champions. The other Bruins trades for the day included moving on from Brandon Carlo and Charlie Coyle. Henri Jokiharju and Casey Mittelstadt are coming back in a pretty even exchange and a clear shift in direction for the Bruin fanbase to consider.

Main Photo: Brian Fluharty- Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets versus the Florida Panthers. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets versus Florida Panthers

Time: 7:00 p.m Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FDSNOH, SCRIPPS

Two big points are on the line for both teams as the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-23–8) face-off against the Florida Panthers (38-21-3). The is the second of three meetings this season. The Panthers got the best of the Blue Jackets 4-3 back in early October. Who will add to their point total tonight?

Blue Jackets Battling For a Wild Card Spot in these NHL Predictions

Columbus continues to impress. Right in the thick of the Eastern Conference Wild Card battle they have already exceeded many peoples expectations. However, now that they are in this position the big question is can they finish the job and get to the postseason? Starting with the Tampa Bay Lightning last night the Blue Jackets are in the toughest stretch of their schedule facing eight teams in a row who are in or fighting for the playoffs.

The good news for the Blue Jackets is they are starting to get healthier. Captain Boone Jenner returned in the Stadium Series victory over the Detroit Red Wings earlier on March 1st. Yegor Chinakhov returned last game against the Lightning. Both are like deadline additions for the Jackets. They should help boost the offensive attack. With Zach Werenski playing like a Norris Trophy contender from the backend Columbus should not be taken lightly down the stretch.

Florida Fighting For The Division

The reigning champions continue to look the part as they once again battle for top spot in the Atlantic Division. Florida’s last game was also against the Lightning. They beat their state rivals 2-1 in what could be a playoff preview come spring. That was new addition Seth Jones’ first game as a Panther. He seemed to fit in playing almost 23 minutes in a top four role next to Niko Mikkola. With Matthew Tkachuk’s cap hit on LTIR more additions are likely to be on the way.

Florida has been tough to beat at home this season going 20-10-2. They have been even hotter lately going 8-2-0 in their last ten games. Up front they have been led by captain Aleksander Barkov who has 14 points in those ten games. On defence Aaron Ekblad is riding a four-game point streak. In net look for Sergei Bobrovsky to get the start going for his fourth straight win.

Prediction

This is a huge game for both teams which should make for a entertaining game. The Blue Jackets  getting healthier makes them much more dangerous. However, the Panthers have been reminding everyone why they are the team to beat in the East lately. Look for Florida’s forecheck to cause problems. If they can make Columbus play in their own end then a five game win streak might be on the way.

NHL Predictions: Panthers win 4-2

Prop Bets of The Night

The best bet all week will be to watch for players being held out for roster management reasons. This could affect the prop bets of the night. For the game tonight Sam Reinhart hasn’t scored in a couple games. At his scoring pace he is due. He is + 110 as an anytime goal scorer. For Columbus Werenski had two goals in their last game. He is +400 to score tonight.

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The Florida Panthers have announced that they have signed forward Jesse Puljujarvi for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The contract is a two-way deal paying him a pro-rated $775,000 at the NHL level. The deal was announced by the club on Wednesday afternoon.

Panthers Sign Former First Round Pick

Jesse Puljujarvi’s contract with #FlaPanthers is a two-way deal for the remainder of the season paying him a pro-rated $775,000 at the NHL level.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 5, 2025

Jesse Puljujarvi has had a very disappointing NHL career thus far, given the optimism surrounding him prior to being drafted. He’s seen action in 382 games and scored 57 goals and 127 points. So far this season, Puljujarvi has three goals and nine points in 26 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also established one goal and three points in four games for the Penguins AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barrie/Scranton Penguins. Puljujarvi and the Penguins mutually agreed to terminate his contract where he then signed a PTO with the Charlotte Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. He appeared in seven games for the club, accounting for three assists.

Puljujarvi was originally selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round, 4th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry draft.

Puljujarvi to Provide Insurance for the Panthers

After leaving the Penguins, Jesse Puljujarvi was quickly scooped up by the Panthers AHL affiliate. And why not? He’s still just 26 years old and despite the disappointing numbers thus far, he has still shown he can provide some offence. Puljujarvi’s best season came back in 2021-22 when he scored 14 goals and 36 points in 65 games for the Oilers. Not earth-shattering numbers by no means, but still respectable.

However, the Panthers don’t need him to be an offensive juggernaut. The defending Stanley Cup champs already have a high-powered offence, sitting at 6th in the league in goals for. With just over $5 million in cap space, they’re expected to take a run at another player before the trade deadline on Friday, March 7th. Puljujarvi does need to clear waivers in order to join the Panthers. If he does, he will provide the Panthers with some solid bottom-six depth.

Main Photo Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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The San Jose Sharks continue to build for a promising future as sellers this 2025 NHL trade deadline. Today, they announced the trade of dependable goaltender Vitek Vanecek. The veteran netminder has been dealt to the Florida Panthers. He will provide competent goaltending this time of season for a time in need of a little extra reassurance. As the season winds down, this type of trade makes sense for San Jose. Florida sends forward Patrick Giles to San Jose to complete the deal.

Solid Hockey Trade of Vitek Vanecek from the Sharks

Vitek Vanecek is a 29-year-old, native of Czechia who has proven to be a reliable NHL goalkeeper. He applied his craft for a while before getting his shot in the NHL. He spent three seasons with the AHL’s Hershey Bears and even his 20-year-old campaign in the ECHL. Since joining the NHL with the Washington Capitals back in 2020, he has been successful. He has a career 94-52-20 record with nine shutouts. That record is actually good for a .627 point percentage, quite impressive. Also, his GAA is 2.82 and SV% .903. This year, however, has hurt him statistically.

In just 18 games with the Sharks, he is 3-10-3 with a nearly four GAA and an .882 SV%. Moreover, what added to this year’s frustrations was he missed nearly two months of action before the 4 Nations break. Needless to say, even if it was somewhat expected amid a rebuild in the Bay Area, it still had been difficult for Vanecek. On the other hand, he should be well rested. Along with his experience and motivation to prove it was the team in front of him this year, things are trending positively in the fresh start.

What About San Jose

Regardless, with players like Macklin Celebrini, William Smith, and possibly a top pick again in 2025, the Sharks are built for the future. They need to make trades like this for their organization and they done well to pull it off.

Florida gets some added cover in goal after trading Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the Seth Jones deal.

Main Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

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