Entering the season, there were lofty expectations for the Panthers but a slow start put them behind the 8-ball and were never able to turn it around. They gave a late push that didn’t amount to nearly enough to get them in the playoffs leaving them 19th overall, 12 points out of the playoffs and 5th in the Atlantic Division.

Additions: Sergei Bobrovsky, Brett Connolly, Noel Acciari, Anton Stralman, Joel Quenneville

Subtractions: Roberto Luongo, James Reimer, Jamie McGinn, Riley Sheahan, Troy Brouwer

Forwards:

Not many changes to the Florida offense, mainly replacing depth players with more depth players. They do have Aleksander Barkov though who continues to be one of the best two-way players in the game.

Defense:

The defense struggled for the Panthers last season giving up the 28th most goals against in the league. They’ve added veteran defenseman Anton Stralman who they hope will be a steadying presence back there. 

Goalies:

The Panthers completely revamped their goaltending this summer. Long-time Panther, Roberto Luongo announced his retirement and backup, James Reimer was shipped out. In comes 2-time Vezina Trophy winning Sergei Bobrovsky who should provide a steadying presence to their crease.

The Point Prediction:

The changes made to the Panthers roster will be enough to get them into the playoffs but in a stacked Atlantic Division it will only be good enough to secure them the final wildcard spot even when finishing 16th overall.

 

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