February 3, 2025 | 10:23am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

PANTHERS REMAIN ON THE PROWL FOR A DEFENCEMAN

Panthers GM Bill Zito

The Florida Panthers sit atop the Atlantic Division, three points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have two games in hand, and GM Bill Zito continues to evaluate the trade market for an addition or two ahead of the March 7 trade deadline.

As TFP reported last month, Zito is looking to add a defenceman and that remains the case as the calendar has flipped to February.

With just under $2 million in current salary cap space, the Panthers will continue to accrue more space between now and deadline day and if management can add a blueliner to the roster, that still seems to be a priority for the club.

“Yeah, it certainly seems like that’s what Bill Zito would like to do with his group. Looking around, seeing what kind of bargain type deals that can work and fit for his group,” TFP’s David Pagnotta said on the Jan. 17 edition of The Latest. “He’s done it in the past. He’s looking for special deals, cap friendly deals that fit for his group.”

During Monday’s episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Elliotte Friedman echoed Pagnotta’s comments and indicated the Panthers are looking for a right-shot defenceman.

Depending on how creative Zito gets, the Panthers may also be in a position to add a bottom-six forward, possibly a centre, to strengthen their fourth line. Up front, the Panthers have been linked to the likes of Chicago’s Ryan Donato and Montreal’s Jake Evans, both of whom are among the players ranked on the TFP Trade Watch List.