NHL Free Agency Grades: Rangers, Panthers, Canucks, Maple Leafs, Lightning
By Santagata JJ
Florida Panthers Free Agency Grade: B-
Florida makes the smart decision in bringing back defensemen Alex Petrovic, signing him to a one-year deal at $1.8 million. The 25 year old defensemen has the potential to grow and he played relatively large minutes for Florida next year. His 18:09 ice time per game was his highest since his rookie season.
Florida Panthers
Bringing Evgeny Dadonov back from the KHL is a move many cannot highlight because Dadonov has spent some time outside the NHL. Much of what he can do is unknown, but what he can bring to Florida is goal scoring. A $4 million cap hit over three years is not terrible for the Russian goal scorer. The Panthers are banking on him being the 2017-18 version of Alexander Radulov. Dadonov isn’t quite as skilled as him, but he’s very talented.
Another veteran signing in Radim Vrbata is a good move for Florida being that they’re relatively younger on front end of things. He adds some veteran leadership with a goal scoring, two-way game as well. And at one year and $2.5 million, Florida won’t have to worry about keeping him around too long. Vrbata had 20 goals and 35 assists in 81 games last season for Arizona. The Panthers need goal scoring and he should give it to them at a very reasonable price.