Rumor: Panthers To Deal Forward Brett Connolly

The Florida Panthers currently sit with a 5-0-1 record and the team is off to a hot start after their season took a little longer than most to kick off. While the team currently has their young core locked up for the foreseeable future, one name that's likely to be moved is forward Brett Connolly.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned via 31 Thoughts that he expects to see contending teams call the Panthers about the availability of Connolly.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract that sees him paid $3.5 million per season. So far in 2021, he's appeared in four games and has yet to register a point and could be falling out of favor with the Panthers' coaching staff. Last season, his first in Florida, Connolly finished with 33 points in 69 games. 

Friedman goes on to mention:

One name to watch on the trade market: Florida’s Brett Connolly. Panthers have started strong despite COVID postponements. Connolly’s been out of the lineup — although he’s expected to get back in shortly. He was a valuable piece on Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup champion team. I could see a contender going there.

While Friedman could see a contender going there, the Panthers hot start could turn themselves into one. If they want to keep an expensive piece in the press box, will be the $3.5 million dollar question.

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