Panthers play hardball with the Kraken over exciting young winger

Florida is not giving him away for free. The Panthers know exactly what they have in the 23-year-old winger.

Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday the asking price is steep. Florida wants a massive return for their 2021 first-round pick before they pull the trigger. Florida is being smart here, and Bill Zito is playing hard to get.

Seattle has the draft capital and the prospect pool to make a deal happen. They simply need to decide if they are willing to empty the cupboards.

Samoskevich carries a highly coveted $775,000 cap hit. That number gives any acquiring team maximum roster flexibility ahead of the upcoming playoff push.

With 21 points through 59 games this season, his raw production looks modest. But the underlying metrics tell a completely different story for the young forward.

He averages 14:09 of ice time per night under Paul Maurice. His transition game and controlled entries are genuinely elite when he gets consistent top-six deployment.

Florida wants established NHL talent or premium draft picks. They are chasing a historic three-peat and simply cannot afford a step backward in their locker room.

The Kraken desperately need a spark on their upcoming homestand. They rank near the bottom of the Pacific Division in sustained offensive output and high-danger chances.

Samoskevich generated 127 shots on goal this year alone. He consistently drives the play deep into the offensive zone with crisp passing and aggressive forechecking.

Over his NHL career, he flashes top-tier breakaway speed. He logged a blistering 23.15 MPH max skating speed earlier this season against the Calgary Flames.

That type of burst forces opposing defensemen to back off the blue line. It creates open lanes and stretches the ice for everyone else on his shift.

Seattle needs to upgrade their struggling power play immediately. Adding a dynamic right-shot forward completely overhauls their setup on the man advantage.

It all comes down to leverage right now. Florida holds the cards, and Seattle has to pay the premium if they want Samoskevich in their lineup.

Expect this situation to escalate rapidly before the deadline. The Kraken are circling, and the Panthers are just waiting for the absolute best offer to land.