The Florida Panthers signed free agent forward Alexander Wennberg to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million. This contract carries him through the 2020-21 season.
Wennberg signs a 1 year deal in Florida. $2.25 mil.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 9, 2020
Florida Inks Alexander Wennberg
Over his six-year NHL career, Wennberg has played for only the Columbus Blue Jackets. In those years, Wennberg has put up 40 goals and 161 assists for 201 career points in 415 career games. He was originally a first-round draft pick. In the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Blue Jackets took Wennberg 14th overall.
During this past season, he scored five goals and 17 assists for 22 points. He also added 16 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 49 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 1.7.
What This Means for the Future
After a breakout season back during the 2017-17 season. Wennberg recorded 59 points in 80 games. Yet, since then he has not been the same. Just a day after being bought-out by the Blue Jackets. Bill Zito and the Florida Panthers have added more depth to their forwards. With the acquisition of Wennberg, the Panthers have added a nice piece to their centre group. Agreeing on a one-year deal, this is another safe gamble with Wennberg. Zito has continued to add depth and keep contracts to a minimum. Something Tallon could not seem to do.
With the Blue Jackets buying out Wennberg, they will save close to $4.5 million in cap space. Leaving Columbus with over $14 million in cap space with free agency just starting to heat up.
The 26-year old Wennberg can play as either the second or third-line centre. At six feet, two inches and 200 pounds; Wennberg also adds some size to the Panthers lineup. With the additions of Wennberg, Carter Verhaeghe, and Radko Gudas. The Panthers are looking for versatility and to shed their identity of being an easy team to play against.
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