Post by Florida Panthers on Jun 19, 2022 9:49:54 GMT -6
P.K. Subban is a good NHL defenseman; he's just not $9 million good.
Therein lies the problem the Panthers face with their flashy offensive blueliner, who arrived in Florida in a risky deal which netted the club the 8th overall pick in the upcoming PFHL draft. Subban had a resurgent season in Panthers colours, scoring 26 points in 38 games with the club to finish with 54 points on the season, albeit with a -19 plus-minus rating.
PFHL prognosticators Aaron Sanderson, Scott Davidson, and Corey Chernuka all agreed in a recent podcast that moving Subban's three-year contract should be the Panthers' top priority, but GM Jay Seo threw cold water on that assessment.
"I'm not going to throw a good defenseman away," Seo responded. "There won't be many quality defensemen available in this year's free agent market, and we have the cap flexibility to fit P.K's contract without any trouble. He's an important part of our club, and brings an offensive flair that strengthens our team. We're happy to have him."
Still, Florida will have to make some moves to lighten a crowded blueline, which currently boasts 8 NHL defensemen (Dobson, Bear, Jokiharju, Durzi, Mikkola, Subban, Kulak, and Demers) under contract for next season. Could it be someone other than Subban whose time in Florida is nearing an end?
