One thing is certain.
The top two lines for the Florida Panthers will remain intact after the most successful season in franchise history.
If it's not broke, don't fix it. The Huberdeau-Barkov-Jagr and Jokinen-Trocheck-Smith lines were consistent forces all year. During the offseason, GM Tom Rowe worked on improving production from the bottom two lines.
From the looks of things, mission accomplished. While head coach Gerard Gallant has said he's not concerned with every piece being in the exact right spot just yet, the additions of Jared McCann, Colton Sceviour, and Jonathan Marchessault have added great competition for just a few spots.
Gallant has said there are 10 guys battling for three or four jobs, but realistically it's more like four guys battling for two spots. All three of the players mentioned have successful NHL experience, and would be welcomed youthful changes over Teddy Purcell and Jiri Hudler.
McCann has flexibility to play either wing. One or more will also be called upon for penalty killing duties as well, so these additions add quality depth to the team as a whole.
If the Panthers are able to assemble a 3rd line that can score consistently, taking another step forward in the playoffs would seem inevitable. While oft injured, Nick Bjugstad is a very talented player. His speed and size are a nightmare for the opposition, so adding talented wings to his line would make him even more dangerous.
Should the injury bug hit, there are some other talented wingers in the system that could be valuable as the season progresses, but McCann, Sceviour, and Marchessault will be counted on to be the guys to fill in the current holes.
Anything to get Bjugstad going and give him the stability he needs in terms of linemates is of major importance. On paper it seems they are on track.
Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Media
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