The Florida Panthers have made it known they are going to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the 2026-27 NHL season and the Atlantic Division title race. In today’s edition of NHL Rumours, we take a look at the next steps for the Panthers. So what possibly could a team that just added an NHL captain to its already powerful lineup be on the hunt for? Let’s find out.
Florida Panthers At Catch Miami
NHL Rumours and One Untouchable In the Panthers Lineup
Rumour: This rumour comes from the folks at TSN Overdrive, and it is suggesting that the Florida Panthers are open for business. However, the one caveat being, that Finnish forward Anton Lundell is not to be included in any outgoing trade package.
NEWS: Pierre LeBrun on OverDrive said Connor Hellebuyck is 'very much open to a change' #GoJetsGo#TimeToHunt have interest and will be in the cards for a deal. Anton Lundell will not be included in any trade.
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) June 22, 2026
Analysis: It is somewhat surprising that Lundell, who is a third-line centre in Florida, would not be a bartering chip. But that is what general manager Bill Zito wants the message to be. In any case, the Panthers do have plenty of other options.
Following the Brady Tkachuk trade acquisition, we did discover some extra details, from behind the scenes. Given the organization path of the Ottawa Senators, giving up one of their best players via trade, in return for picks, is confusing when they are perennially trying to compete for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In contrast, in the wake of the trade, we did learn some spicy tidbits of why they only were able to receive draft capital from the Panthers. The idea is that the Sens and general manager Steve Staios would’ve preferred to acquire roster spots in return. The names of Carter Verhaeghe and Anton Lundell, were noted as players that had been mentioned by Staios as possible wants. In retrospect, it is perhaps unexpected, a trade package including either one of those players couldn’t be hashed out. But the fact that Lundell’s name is there, is the topic of our NHL Rumours. The Panthers organization holds him in very high regard, and he is not to made available.
By adding Brady Tkachuk to the fold, in a lineup already featuring the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Matthew Tkachuk, and others, it may raise a few eyebrows hearing that the Panthers want to improve their roster. We guess we could also add the name of Anton Lundell to that group of names, as it appears he is a part of the Panthers long-term plans. However, there is one position that they do need a resolution to their current situation. That position would be goaltending.
One Area the Panthers Could Be Targeting
It has been reported that current unrestricted free agent netminder Sergei Bobrovsky is seeking a big payday. It might just be a size of the payday that the Panthers are unwilling to dish out. Specifically, it seems the term (maybe not the average annual value) that Bobrovsky is seeking is something that Florida may not be willing to entertain.
"It all depends on his contract."
Hayes, O-Dog and Jonas on the Maple Leafs potentially looking to add Sergei Bobrovsky.#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/HVTPdUqEnl
— OverDrive (@OverDrive1050) June 22, 2026
Again, according to TSN Overdrive in more NHL Rumours, Florida would, as you might expect, want to re-sign the veteran Russian netminder. They mention another team that might be interested in the goalie’s services, if Florida isn’t willing to dish it out. That team would be the Toronto Maple Leafs. They referenced the previous tandem-mate, of Anthony Stolarz, along with Bobrovsky, that helped the Panthers win the 2024 Stanley Cup. So that is one option for GM Bill Zito to explore.
The other name they threw in there, was Connor Hellebuyck. Maybe if Florida is letting Bobrovsky go, it could be part of a bigger plan. It would make sense that he is from the Team USA that captured the 2026 Winter Olympic Gold Medal at the Milano-Cortina Games. He would be re-uniting with the Tkachuk brothers.
In any sense, it does sound like GM Bill Zito and crew are not done tinkering. If and when they make a trade, we know that Lundell won’t be going anywhere. Furthermore, at this point, it seems their main target is goaltending. So, buckle up Cat fans, as the action is coming fast, as we hit the NHL free agency period next week.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
