NHL Trade Rumors: 3 Florida Panthers Trade Targets

The Florida Panthers got some awful news this week regarding their captain, as Sasha Barkov is going to miss the regular season due to a knee injury. GM Bill Zito isn't shy to make some bold moves, but with the new wrinkle that teams have to be cap compliant in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, look for the Panthers executive to try and find some bargain options down the middle. 

The Panthers will certainly add some center depth throughout this season, here's a few targets who could be on their trade list:

Alex Wennberg, San Jose Sharks

Wennberg is a pending unrestricted free agent, who is expected to play a major top-six role for the Sharks this season. The 31-year-old is owed $5 million AAV, and holds a 15-team trade list. Wennberg scored 10 goals and 35 points in 77 games, and could give the Panthers a two-way option for their middle six. Wennberg is defensively responsible, he can play in all situations, including both sides of special teams, and last season won 48% of his faceoffs. 

Christian Dvorak, Philadelphia Flyers

Dvorak is looking for a bounce back season and signed a one-year deal worth $5.4 million AAV with the Philadelphia Flyers. He doesn't own any trade protection, and the 29-year-old center is hopeful a change of scenery out of Montreal can kick-start his career. Dvorak will be on the Panthers radar as one option they could pounce on closer to the trade deadline. 

Charlie Coyle, Columbus Blue Jackets

Coyle landed in Columbus after the Colorado Avalanche wanted to save some money this season. Coyle is owed $5.2 million, and has trade protection in case he wants to stick around Columbus, but let's be honest, joining the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs will be something he has an appetite for. Coyle could give the Panthers a right-handed centre, which they could use, and he could add some secondary scoring, while also being versatile to move to the wing once Barkov returns in the spring.

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