Panthers Facing Tough Decisions Ahead of 2026 NHL Trade Deadline

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito must decide whether to be a buyer or seller as team struggles to make playoffs

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:23am

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The Florida Panthers, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, are struggling this season and are unlikely to make the playoffs. With the trade deadline approaching, GM Bill Zito must decide whether to trade key assets like goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and depth forwards Evan Rodrigues and Eetu Luostarinen in order to replenish the team's draft picks and young talent for the future, or try to make a last-ditch effort to salvage the season.

Why it matters

The Panthers have been one of the NHL's elite teams over the past three seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025. However, this season has been a major disappointment due to injuries and inconsistent play. Zito must now decide whether to trade away valuable players to build for the future or try to make a playoff push, even though the team's postseason chances are slim.

The details

The Panthers are currently 8 points out of a playoff spot with just over a month left in the regular season. They have struggled without star center Aleksander Barkov, who underwent major knee surgery in the offseason and has not returned. With the trade deadline on Friday, the Panthers have a tough decision to make - they could trade goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who is on an expiring contract, to a contending team in need of a proven playoff goalie. They could also move depth forwards Evan Rodrigues and Eetu Luostarinen, who are both under contract for next season but could fetch valuable draft picks or young talent in a trade.

  • The Panthers are 8 points out of a playoff spot with just over a month left in the regular season.
  • The NHL trade deadline is this Friday, March 1, 2026.

The players

Bill Zito

The general manager of the Florida Panthers, tasked with deciding whether to be a buyer or seller at the trade deadline.

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, who has had to deal with key injuries to players like Aleksander Barkov this season.

Aleksander Barkov

The star center for the Florida Panthers, who underwent major knee surgery in the offseason and has not returned to the lineup.

Sergei Bobrovsky

The veteran goaltender for the Florida Panthers, who is on an expiring contract and could be a valuable trade asset for a contending team.

Evan Rodrigues

A depth forward for the Florida Panthers who has been a key contributor in the team's recent playoff runs.

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What’s next

The Panthers have three tough road games against the Islanders, Devils, and Blue Jackets leading up to the trade deadline, which could further impact their playoff chances and Zito's decision-making.

The takeaway

The Panthers are facing a difficult decision at the trade deadline - they can either try to make one last push for the playoffs, or they can trade away valuable assets like Bobrovsky and their depth forwards to replenish their prospect pool and build for the future. Whichever path they choose, it will have major implications for the franchise's long-term outlook.