The roster-building technique of the Florida Panthers could be the new archetype for the NHL.
The Panthers, who are playing in their third straight Stanley Cup Final, have drafted well. Florida’s best player, center Alex Barkov, was the No. 2 overall pick in 2013. The Panthers also are getting contributions from defenseman Aaron Ekblad (No. 1 overall pick in 2014) and center Anton Lundell (No. 12 overall in 2020).
But much of Florida’s success is from savvy pro scouting that led to acquisition of Conn Smythe Trophy favorite Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk in trades and the addition of No. 1 defender Gustav Forsling in maybe the most impactful waiver claim in NHL history.
Perhaps by being more aggressive on the trade market, as the Panthers have been, other teams could also see their fortunes rise.
Here are five teams that should follow Florida’s model by making deals this offseason:
