Florida Panthers to part ways with Stanley Cup Champion: Pierre LeBrun
|
Hunter Bowman
Mar 4, 2026 (11:56)
|
|
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The writing is officially on the wall in Sunrise.
After suffering yet another frustrating defeat on Tuesday night, the Florida Panthers have reportedly made the difficult decision to wave the white flag on their season and officially become sellers ahead of Friday's trade deadline.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, general manager Bill Zito is now actively listening to offers for the team's pending unrestricted free agents.
While veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky is the most prominent name mentioned, gritty forward A.J. Greer has emerged as a highly coveted trade candidate for playoff-bound contenders looking for reinforcements.
"The Panthers lost again last night and my understanding is they've made the decision to be sellers as far as listening on pending UFAs, which most notably include the likes of AJ. Greer and Sergei Bobrovsky."
What makes A.J. Greer an attractive rental?
Greer is exactly the type of depth piece general managers covet for a deep postseason run.
The 29-year-old winger provides a massive physical "bump" to any bottom-six unit, bringing relentless energy, heavy forechecking, and a willingness to stand up for his teammates. He offers the "solid execution" needed to wear down opposing defensemen over a gruelling, physical seven-game series.
Furthermore, Greer carries an incredibly manageable salary cap hit. For championship contenders pressed tightly against the cap ceiling, acquiring a cheap, impactful forward is essential for roster balance.
The Panthers' decision to sell marks a stark "clean slate" for an organization that had high hopes entering the campaign.
With their playoff aspirations effectively dashed in the Atlantic Division, Zito's focus has shifted entirely to recouping draft capital and restocking the prospect pool for the future.
While moving a veteran like Bobrovsky involves navigating a complex 16-team no-trade clause, shipping out a pending UFA like Greer should be a straightforward transaction.
Also read on Sunrise Hockey Insider :
Proposed trade sending Bobrovsky to the Canadiens
Proposed trade sending Bobrovsky to the Canadiens