Top 3 moves the Florida Panthers must make after being eliminated
Here are some moves the Florida Panthers need to make after losing to the New York Islanders in the play-in round.
Last summer, the Florida Panthers made several huge moves to try to change the culture. First, they hired three-time Stanley Cup champion Joel Quenneville to be their head coach. Next, the Panthers made several huge moves in free agency, signing goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, among others. Those moves made it clear that making the playoffs was expected.
Though the Panthers made the play-in round against the New York Islanders, they were completely outplayed and outclassed. They got eliminated in four games. Clearly not what the Panthers were expecting after investing so much into their team.
After once again falling short of their ultimate goal, expect some changes in Florida. Here’s a look at three moves the Panthers should make.
1. Avoid Re-Signing Mike Hoffman
On paper, re-signing Mike Hoffman, who will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the offseason, would be a smart choice. He has scored 65 goals with 129 points in his two seasons with the Panthers. Hoffman was also a difference-maker against the Islanders, scoring three goals in four games. He’s earned a nice raise.
However, the Panthers would be smart to avoid being the team who gives him it. First of all, Hoffman’s over 30 years old. Signing him to a long-term deal would be risky. Secondly, his best years are probably behind him. Thirdly, when Hoffman’s not scoring goals, he struggles to make an impact.
Let some other team pay Hoffman. And Evgeni Dadonov, for that matter. Neither are worth overpaying. The Panthers have a bit of cap space and they should be using it to extend guys like MacKenzie Weegar, who’s a restricted free agent. If there’s enough money left over, give Dadonov a three-year deal. But Hoffman shouldn’t be a top priority at this point. There’s simply too much risk involved with him. The Panthers should be targetting younger players.
Owen Tippett could slot into Hoffman’s spot. Much like Hoffman, he’s a goal scorer. Unlike Hoffman, Tippett could be a terrific bargain for the Panthers, as he has the potential to be an impactful goal scorer as a rookie on his entry-level deal.