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The Florida Panthers made a massive trade on Saturday night, but now they’ve got to make a big decision regarding their goaltending.
In a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida traded young goaltender Spencer Knight and a 1st Round Pick for defenseman Seth Jones and a 4th Round Pick.
Adding Jones brings a huge boost to the Panthers blueline.
He’s great at reading plays and blocking shots and adds an offensive element that has been missing this season from the Panthers back line.
There is no doubt that Florida’s chances at repeating as Stanley Cup Champions are much better after making this trade.
But now Florida General Manager Bill Zito and his staff must decide how they want to replace Knight.
The 23-year-old former 13th Overall Pick has rounded into form over the past several months and was playing some of his best, most consistent hockey as a pro.
Zito and co. would have been more than comfortable going into another Cup chase with Knight as their goaltending insurance policy.
With him now moving up to Chicago, a decision must be made.
The Panthers still have 21 games remaining on their regular season schedule, including five back-to-back sets in a 30-day span.
Whoever ends up backing up Sergei Bobrovsky, they are going to do a lot more than sit on the bench.
The NHL Trade Deadline is on Friday.
Will Zito be targeting another goaltender between now and then? That’s the question.
Flames goalie Dan Vladar, who had a heck of a performance in a loss to the Panthers in Sunrise on Saturday, is playing on an expiring $2.2 million contact and is available.
Obviously veteran John Gibson is a guy who any team would be more than comfortable with as part of their postseason tandem, but his $6.4 million price tag is a bit high, and it runs through 2027.
If we’re mentioning Gibson, we also have to add Jordan Binnington and his $6 million contract to the mix of guys who Florida would surely like, but would likely have to finagle the financials to make it make sense. His deal also runs through 2027.
Less expensive options on expiring contracts are also out there.
Ottawa’s Anton Forsberg makes $2.75 million, Los Angeles’ David Rittich makes $1 million, and Utah’s Karel Vejmelka plays on a $2.725 deal, but all three will be unrestricted free agents at the end of this season.
Both of San Jose’s goaltenders, Alexandar Georgiev and Vitek Vanecek, are reportedly available and each playing on respective $3.4 million cap hits.
Also under consideration must be Florida’s No. 3 goaltender Chris Driedger.
It’s Driedger would seemingly slide into Knight’s spot, at least in the short term, while Zito evaluates the situation.
We’ll see how things play out over the next week.
Stay tuned.
Caption for photo at top of page: Dec 3, 2024; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)
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