The Florida Panthers make a roster move in hopes of acquiring star forward Patrick Kane in free agency.
In a surprising move, the Florida Panthers have placed defenseman Mike Reilly on waivers to create space for a potential signing of free agent Patrick Kane. Reilly, who signed with the Panthers in the offseason, played in just two games without recording a point. With Reilly either being claimed by another team or sent down to the AHL, the Panthers would have the necessary roster space to bring in Kane. This article explores the implications of this roster move and the potential impact of adding a player of Kane’s caliber to the team.
Reilly’s Limited Impact and the Need for Roster Space
Reilly’s short stint with the Panthers did not yield the desired results, as he failed to make a significant impact in the two games he played. The decision to waive him was made to address the team’s need for roster space and potentially sign Patrick Kane. The Panthers currently have seven defensemen, with Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour returning to the lineup. However, the team will have to make another move when defenseman Josh Mahura is healthy, which may be in the near future.
Coach Maurice’s Assessment and Balinskis’ Return
Panthers coach Paul Maurice expressed his confidence in Reilly’s abilities, stating that he would have likely been given more opportunities to prove himself if not for the strong performances of the team’s defensemen. Maurice acknowledged that there have been some defensive lapses in recent games, making it a suitable time to bring in Reilly. Additionally, Uvis Balinskis will make his return to the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets, with Dmitry Kulikov being a healthy scratch.
Financial Implications and Cap Space
By waiving Reilly, the Panthers will remove his $1 million salary from the books, regardless of whether he is claimed by another team or sent down to the minors. This move will provide the team with just under $1.5 million in cap space, potentially enough to sign Patrick Kane. Kane, who recently underwent hip resurfacing surgery, has expressed his desire to join a team in the coming days. The Panthers will be traveling to Canada for their upcoming games against Ottawa and Toronto, adding to the intrigue surrounding a potential signing.
Conclusion:
The Florida Panthers’ decision to waive Mike Reilly demonstrates their commitment to creating roster space for a potential signing of Patrick Kane. While Reilly’s limited impact played a role in this move, the team’s need for additional offensive firepower and Kane’s availability have fueled speculation. With the financial implications of waiving Reilly and the Panthers’ upcoming games in Canada, the possibility of Kane joining the team adds an exciting element to the season. Panthers fans and hockey enthusiasts alike eagerly await further developments, as the team aims to bolster its roster and make a significant impact in the league.
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