Rumor: Florida Panthers Adding Another Forward

The Florida Panthers have been one of the busiest teams so far leading up to the NHL's trade deadline and it's expected their transaction history will include a couple more entries. Chris Johnston of Sportsnet expects to see the Panthers sign newly minted free-agent Nikita Gusev who last played for the New Jersey Devils.

So far in 20 games, Gusev recorded two goals and five points and a minus 12 rating. His second season in the NHL has not been as good as the first, as last season the 28-year-old tallied 44 points in 66 games.

The Panthers recently moved out Brett Connolly and Riley Stillman to save some money on the salary cap and should be able to sign Gusev for a prorated league minimum contract. The Panthers also acquired defenseman Brandon Montour on Saturday from the Buffalo Sabres.

Panthers general manager Bill Zito has admitted he's willing to add at this year's deadline but don't expect him to mortgage the future. A move adding Gusev is right up these Cats' alley.