Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Dmitry Kulikov across Hockey.
The Florida Panthers' coach has revealed the initial lineup for opening night, highlighting key forward trios, defensive pairings and the new goaltending tandem that could shape the team's early chemistry.
The Panthers chose to keep Ben Steeves, Toby Bjornfot and Mikulas Hovorka while letting Donovan Sebrango, Cole Schwindt, Wilmer Skoog and Mike Benning become unrestricted free agents. The moves reflect a strategic balance of retention and renewal as the club prepares for the next campaign.
The Panthers have most of their roster set, but they must fill two goaltending spots, re-sign restricted free agents and navigate a tight salary cap before the new season begins.
Garnet Hathaway, a Naples native who grew up in New England, is set to wear a Panthers jersey after a trade with the Flyers. The move aligns with GM Bill Zito’s pattern of short‑term fourth‑liner acquisitions and signals upcoming roster reshuffles.
After a four‑year stint that helped the Florida Panthers reach the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, Radko Gudas faces free agency with the team weighing a potential reunion against financial and roster considerations.
Veteran defenseman Radko Gudas, 36, is generating league‑wide interest after a 13‑point, 56‑game season with the Ducks. With 657 hits and 420 blocks to his name, he could command a two‑ to three‑year deal averaging $3.5 million to $4 million, prompting the Panthers and Maple Leafs to consider a fit.
A look at the divergent criteria used by fans and league evaluators when ranking NHL defensemen, and what that means for the future of the position.
Analysts predict the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna first, with San Jose, Vancouver and Chicago following suit, while a host of prospects prepare for their NHL futures.
The Panthers are poised for a whirlwind offseason, with contract talks around Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov, trade chatter involving Brady Tkachuk, and a slew of restricted free agents set to be evaluated.