Florida Panthers become trade deadline sellers, creating opportunity for Canadiens

This is the news shaking Florida this morning. The Panthers have decided to wave the white flag on the current season by officially becoming sellers.

According to insider Pierre LeBrun, the organization is now ready to listen to offers for its players who will become unrestricted free agents this summer.

The name generating the most buzz is star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Even though he has a no-trade clause covering 16 teams, the door is now open for a departure before the trade deadline.

Let’s be honest, a goaltender of this caliber becoming available is not something you see every day in the NHL.

The other player mentioned in the rumors is depth forward A.J. Greer.

The Panthers lost last night and that defeat appears to have been the final straw for management.

Should the Canadiens get involved?

We can agree that Kent Hughes likes to shop for opportunities to accumulate draft picks or quality prospects.

If Florida wants to liquidate assets, Montreal could facilitate a transaction by using its salary cap space.

Let’s be honest, retaining salary to help complete a transaction involving Bobrovsky could bring a significant return to the Canadiens.

The Russian goaltender has an impressive career win record in the NHL, but his contract is a heavy burden.

We are keeping a close eye on this situation because the picture in the Atlantic Division is changing drastically with this announcement.

The weekend could be busy for the league’s general managers who are looking for reinforcements in goal.