Florida Panthers Remain Quiet at Trade Deadline, Suffer Another Loss

The struggling Panthers didn't make any moves, but their 4-2 defeat to the Blue Jackets showed why changes may be coming soon.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Florida Panthers didn't make any trades before Thursday's deadline, but their 4-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets highlighted the team's struggles this season. The Panthers fell behind 3-0 before getting within one goal, but an empty-netter sealed the defeat. Notable absences included starting goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and veteran center A.J. Greer, both of whom have been rumored trade candidates. Panthers coach Paul Maurice was coy about the roster decisions, saying "He's a very sought after young man, and that'll sort itself out over the next 24 hours."

Why it matters

The Panthers' disappointing season has them looking to the future, with the team likely to be sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers. This loss to the Blue Jackets underscores why the team may need to make changes, as their playoff hopes have faded and they look to recharge for next season.

The details

The Panthers fell behind 3-0 to the Blue Jackets before getting within one goal in the third period, but an empty-netter sealed the 4-2 defeat. Backup goalie Daniil Tarasov started in place of Sergei Bobrovsky, who has been rumored as a trade candidate. Veteran center A.J. Greer, a key part of the team's 2024-25 title run, also did not dress for the game, with coach Paul Maurice saying his status will "sort itself out over the next 24 hours." Earlier on Thursday, the Panthers traded depth defenseman Jeff Petry to the Minnesota Wild.

  • The Panthers lost their fourth straight game on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 7, 2026 at 3pm.

The players

Sergei Bobrovsky

The Panthers' starting goaltender, who has been rumored as a potential trade candidate.

A.J. Greer

A veteran center for the Panthers who was a key part of their 2024-25 title run, but is now considered a trade candidate as the team looks to the future.

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, who was coy about the team's roster decisions ahead of the trade deadline.

Bill Zito

The general manager of the Florida Panthers, who has made some brilliant additions during the team's recent Cup runs but now faces difficult decisions as the team struggles this season.

Sasha Barkov

The Panthers' captain and two-way dynamo, who is expected to return from injury to help the team recharge for next season.

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What they’re saying

“I think they're calling that roster management. He's a very sought after young man, and that'll sort itself out over the next 24 hours.”

— Paul Maurice, Head Coach, Florida Panthers (SI.com)

What’s next

The Panthers' general manager Bill Zzito will have to decide whether to make any trades before the Friday, March 7th deadline at 3pm.

The takeaway

The Panthers' disappointing season has them looking to the future, with the team likely to be sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers. This loss to the Blue Jackets underscores why the team may need to make changes, as their playoff hopes have faded and they look to recharge for next season with the return of key players like captain Sasha Barkov.