Vancouver Canucks: 5 Potential Trade Destinations for Radim Vrbata
2. Florida Panthers
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Why they need Vrbata: The Florida Panthers’ development was the exact opposite of the Canadiens this season. The Panthers started 2015-16 as an average team, looking like a bubble playoff team, but are now leading the Atlantic Division. They recently had a 12-game winning streak snapped by the Canucks.
If there is one thing the Panthers need in order to stay in the playoff race and actually have a chance to win a series once they get there, it is goal scoring. Florida is one of three teams who have surrendered less than 100 goals against, but their 118 goals scored rank 16th in the league. Vrbata is a player who could certainly help.
Where Vrbata would slot in: The Panthers’ top scorer is soon-to-be 44-year-old Jaromir Jagr with 15 tallies. Vincent Trocheck, Aleksander Barkov and Reilly Smith are tied for second at 11 goals — which happens to be the same amount Vrbata has this season. Jagr and Smith are both right wingers, leaving the third-line slot that is currently owned by rookie Logan Shaw. However, Vrbata could also move up and down the lineup, slotting in on one of the top-six lines.
Next: 3. Tampa Bay Lightning