The Florida Panthers make a roster move to create space for a potential signing of free agent Patrick Kane.
In a surprising move, the Florida Panthers have waived defenseman Mike Reilly, clearing the way for a potential signing of NHL superstar Patrick Kane. The decision to waive Reilly was made to free up roster space, as the Panthers look to bolster their lineup with the addition of Kane. With Reilly either being claimed by another team or headed to the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, the Panthers will have 22 players on their roster. However, another move will need to be made once defenseman Josh Mahura is healthy, which could be as soon as a week from now. The Panthers are now faced with the task of finalizing a deal with Kane, who has expressed his desire to join a team in the near future.
Reilly’s Limited Impact and Panthers’ Defensive Depth
Reilly, who signed with the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent on July 1, had a short-lived stint with the team, playing in just two games. Despite his limited ice time, Reilly failed to record a point and finished with a minus-2 rating. With the return of defensemen Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour, the Panthers currently have seven defensemen on their roster. Tonight’s game against the Winnipeg Jets will see Uvis Balinskis back in the lineup, while Dmitry Kulikov will be a healthy scratch. Panthers coach Paul Maurice had initially anticipated Reilly’s debut within the first few games of the season, but the team’s recent strong defensive performances made it difficult to make changes to the lineup. However, with some defensive struggles in recent games, Maurice believes it is the perfect time to give Reilly an opportunity to contribute.
Financial Implications and Potential Signing of Patrick Kane
By waiving Reilly, the Panthers will remove his $1 million salary from their books, regardless of whether he is claimed by another team or sent down to the minors. This move will provide the Panthers with just under $1.5 million in salary cap space, which could potentially be used to sign Patrick Kane. The 35-year-old forward, who underwent hip resurfacing surgery on July 1, has been working out in the Toronto area and has expressed his intention to join a team in the coming days. The Panthers’ upcoming trip to Canada, where they will face the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs, could potentially serve as an opportunity for Kane to meet with the team and finalize a deal.
Conclusion:
The Florida Panthers have made a bold roster move by waiving defenseman Mike Reilly, creating space for a potential signing of Patrick Kane. Reilly’s limited impact and the Panthers’ defensive depth made him expendable, leading to his departure from the team. With the financial flexibility gained from Reilly’s waiver, the Panthers now have the means to pursue a deal with Kane, who has expressed his desire to join a team in the near future. As the Panthers embark on their upcoming road trip to Canada, all eyes will be on whether they can secure the services of one of the NHL’s most prolific scorers. The addition of Kane could significantly bolster the Panthers’ offensive firepower and further solidify their position as a contender in the league.
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