Florida Panthers Talking Trade On 5 Goalies

The Florida Panthers currently don't have any goaltenders signed to NHL contracts.

Panthers general manager Bill Zito has been busy bulking up his top six, acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators, and giving his team one of the most feared forward groups in the entire league. With the defensive core in place, Zito's attention now turns to the crease.

The Panthers are in contract talks with Sergei Bobrovsky, but there's been multiple reports he's looking for a six-year deal at $7 million AAV, which would bring him into his mid-40's. It's not likely Zito is interested in this, and prefers and one or two-year extension.

Bobrovsky's been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Los Angeles Kings, so we'll see what his future holds. And don't be surprised to see the San Jose Sharks sign him to a very lucrative one-year contract to help get them over the salary floor.

As far as the Panthers are concerned, they've been linked to several trade candidates, including Jordan Binnington, Sam Montembeault, Elvis Merzlikins, and Jacob Markstrom. 

David Pagnotta: Re Panthers goaltending (if not Bobrovsky): Do they go Jacob Markstrom; Adin Hill's available, Elvis Merzlikins' available, Sam Montembeault - Oilersnation Everyday (6/23)

The most likely candidates the Panthers get into advanced trade talks on are Jacob Markstrom, Adin Hill, and Binnington, as they don't want to give Montreal something in return for Montembeault, considering the in-division tax sweetener they'll have to pony up for.

Expect to see Zito make another splash here before free agency opens, and it's going to involve a number-one goaltender landing in Florida.