Major development: Florida Panthers to acquire former top 10 pick for free

As buyers load up for deep playoff runs, they are often forced to make incredibly difficult decisions regarding their young depth players. Today, the Vegas Golden Knights have done exactly that, presenting a massive opportunity for a retooling franchise.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Golden Knights have officially placed former 7th overall pick Alexander Holtz and forward Cole Reinhardt on waivers.

With Vegas aggressively acquiring veteran pieces ahead of Friday's deadline, general manager Kelly McCrimmon was forced to clear essential roster space.

For the Florida Panthers, who are officially entering "seller mode" ahead of the March 6 cutoff, this is an absolute gift.

When a franchise shifts into selling, the primary goal is to stockpile future assets and take calculated swings on young, controllable talent. Claiming the 24-year-old Holtz off the waiver wire perfectly aligns with this strategy.

Here is exactly why Florida needs to submit a claim for the Swedish sniper, zero acquisition cost. The Panthers can secure a former top-10 draft pick without surrendering a single draft pick or prospect.

Holtz also has a tremendous offensive ceiling, a 24-year old still possesses an elite, quick release and natural goal-scoring instincts that simply need the right environment to flourish.

Holtz desperately needs a "clean slate" after struggling to find consistent minutes in heavily loaded lineups in both New Jersey and Vegas.

Florida can provide the necessary runway and "solid execution" needed to finally unlock his massive potential. For general manager Bill Zito, placing a claim on Holtz before tomorrow afternoon should be the easiest decision of the deadline.