The Florida Panthers were far from the worst team in the NHL last season, but here they are with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft. The luck of the lottery was good to the Panthers this year, but should they trade the pick and stock up on talent or should they take a bigger name at the top of the draft?
According to multiple media reports, the Panthers have received calls from eight teams concerning the top pick in the draft. With teams like the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs interested in the pick, the Panthers should really consider which move would benefit the franchise for the long-term.
“These are all realistic scenarios, but the Panthers ultimately should be shopping the No. 1 pick in the draft because the return would help the franchise more than either of the top four prospects would.
Dealing the No. 1 pick would give the Panthers a chance to receive an impact player, a prospect and another pick. The impact player who can help the team now would be more valuable than any prospect would, considering the Panthers are in dire straits financially, according to the Sun Sentinel.”
The options for teams at the top of the draft include Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett and Leon Draisaitl as they are the cream of the crop. After the top four the talent level falls off a bit so in this scenario the Panthers have to know for a fact that one of those four players is not the future of the franchise before making the trade.
At least 8 teams have shown interest in acquiring the 1st pick overall from the Panthers. Van, Cgy, Edmtn and Tor among them.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 19, 2014
Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.