There’s significant interest in the Florida Panthers’ front office personnel as the offseason approaches. According to Elliotte Friedman on “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Bryan McCabe, the Panthers’ director of player personnel, is attracting attention from both the New Jersey Devils and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils’ new General Manager, Sunny Mehta, previously served as the Panthers’ assistant GM, and McCabe has a history with the Maple Leafs, having played seven seasons with them and also holding a position as senior executive advisor of hockey operations.
McCabe might not be the only Panthers staff member on Mehta’s radar. Friedman also highlighted Braden Birch, the Panthers’ director of hockey operations. Furthermore, assistant GM Brett Peterson could also be departing, suggesting the Panthers’ front office could face substantial changes this offseason.
Top 20 NHL Free Agents Revealed
Chris Johnston of The Athletic has provided a list of the top 20 potential unrestricted free agents in the NHL:
- Darren Raddysh – Tampa Bay Lightning – RHD – A right-handed shot power-play quarterback.
- Rasmus Andersson – Vegas Golden Knights – RHD – A two-way defenseman who may not reach the open market.
- Alex Tuch – Buffalo Sabres – RW – A 30-goal scoring power forward expected to receive the largest contract.
- John Carlson – Anaheim Ducks – RHD – Has engaged in exploratory discussions with the Ducks.
- Sergei Bobrovsky – Florida Panthers – G – Seeking a long-term contract extension with the Panthers.
- Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins – C/RW – Expresses a desire to return, but his future with the team is uncertain.
- Charlie Coyle – Columbus Blue Jackets – C/RW – A middle-six center who achieved 58 points.
- Bobby McMann – Boston Bruins – W – Known for his speed, power game, and a 29-goal season.
- Stuart Skinner – Pittsburgh Penguins – G – At only 27, he has appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals.
- Jacob Trouba – Anaheim Ducks – RHD – A large and physical defenseman.
- Anthony Mantha – Pittsburgh Penguins – W – Recorded a career-high 33 goals and 64 points.
- Mason Marchment – Columbus Blue Jackets – LW – A physical forward who scored 15 goals in 39 games after his acquisition by the Blue Jackets.
- Jaden Schwartz – Seattle Kraken – LW – A two-way winger whose offensive production decreased this season.
- Logan Stanley – Buffalo Sabres – LHD – A physical defenseman standing at 6-foot-7.
- Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings – RW – While his scoring has declined, he remains an offensive threat.
- Mats Zuccarello – Minnesota Wild – W – Unlikely to become a free agent due to his partnership with Kirill Kaprizov.
- Frederik Andersen – Carolina Hurricanes – G – Durability has been a concern, but he is leading the Hurricanes into round 3.
- Viktor Arvidsson – Boston Bruins – W – Showed a resurgence with 25 goals and contributes at both ends of the ice.
- Mario Ferraro – San Jose Sharks – LHD – At only 27, he will be seeking a long-term contract.
- Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals – LW – It’s highly improbable to envision him playing for another team.