Florida may have to consider every option

Weekes noted that Kadri could be an excellent fit in Florida, a sentiment that reflects both the Panthers' uneven start and their search for steadier second-line production
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Florida has struggled to string together offense without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, and the first quarter of the season exposed how thin their margin becomes when the core is not intact.

Calgary, meanwhile, is collapsing fast. A disastrous start has pushed the Flames toward seller territory, and while pending UFA Rasmus Andersson is likely their most valuable piece, Kadri's name has moved rapidly up league radars.

He remains a proven second-line center, capable of producing 55 to 65 points with heavy matchup minutes, and his playoff edge fits exactly the style Florida thrives on when rolling.

I get why Weekes sees the appeal, because Kadri plays with that blend of bite and detail that Paul Maurice loves. But the price and timing raise real questions.

Kadri is under contract through 2029, a long commitment for a player who turns 35 this season. Florida sits tight against the cap and remains over the ceiling when fully healthy, meaning any meaningful add requires a corresponding subtraction.

Names such as Evan Rodrigues or Niko Mikkola have floated in background chatter as possible cap casualties, but nothing has connected them directly to Calgary. The Panthers also must weigh the risk of locking into a long-term deal while still waiting for Barkov's full recovery and Tkachuk's rhythm to return.

Florida built its roster on flexibility, and a big swing at center could limit moves later in the year. Still, Kadri brings features Florida currently lacks, net-front presence, interior playmaking, faceoff support, and a veteran engine that thrives in tight-checking games.

This is why the rumor has traction. He solves a real need but at real cost. Weekes raising the possibility reflects league-wide recognition that Florida is one big piece away from stabilizing its lineup and reclaiming control.

Whether Zito sees Kadri as the answer will depend on health timelines and price. For now, the Panthers sit in the middle of a crucial decision window, balancing ambition with cap reality.