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Florida Signs Gusev 1 Year / $1M

April 11, 2021, 3:42 PM ET [28 Comments]
Matt Ross
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Panthers have signed Nikita Gusev.



Per Florida’s site:

“Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Nikita Gusev on a one-year contract for the 2020-21 season.

"Nikita is a highly skilled and creative forward who plays the game with great speed and playmaking ability," said Zito. "He has proven himself to be a tremendous offensive talent throughout his career. We are thrilled for Nikita to join the Panthers and look forward to what he can add to our team."

Gusev, 28, appeared in 20 games this season with the New Jersey Devils, recording five points (2-3-5). The 5-foot-9, 163-pound native of Moscow, Russia, registered 44 points (13-31-44) over 66 games during his first NHL season in 2019-20, ranking second on New Jersey in points, while leading the club in assists (31) and even-strength points (29).

Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round (202nd overall) of the 2012 National Hockey League Draft, Gusev has registered 49 points (15-34-49) over 86 career NHL games, all with New Jersey (2019-20 to 2020-21).

A four-time All-Star and 2017 Gagarin Cup Champion in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Gusev appeared in 391 career KHL games, amassing 332 points (119-213-332). In postseason play, he produced 68 points (28-40-68) over 67 career KHL playoff games. Gusev led the KHL in scoring during the 2018-19 season, posting 82 points (17-65-82) over 62 games. Named the KHL's Most Valuable Player in 2017-18,

Gusev led the league in assists over each of his last two seasons in Russia.

At the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, Gusev captured a Gold Medal with the Olympic Athletes from Russia, notching a tournament-leading 12 points and eight assists in six games. Named the tournament's best forward, Gusev was the only player at the 2018 Olympics to record at least 10 points.

Representing Russia internationally, Gusev has won two IIHF World Championship Bronze Medals (2017, 2019) and one IIHF World Junior Championship Silver Medal (2012).”


Hoping some NJ fans can chime in and give a bit more insight into his game - why was his contract terminated? I read on ProHockeyTalk that it was due to a regression. How did he look in the 20 games he played? If a true regression of skills/production, I guess Zito thinks he’ll bounce back in Florida..?

I also wonder if this means Duclair will be out longer? Or maybe the experiment is over and he’ll be bundle in some kind of other deal before Monday’s deadline?

This signing, along with yesterday’s trade that sent a 2021 third round pick to Buffalo for defenseman Brandon Montour, has Cats fans wondering if Zito feels these moves have bulked up the lineup enough, or if more are on the way.

Both of these moves are low-risk-potential-reward. But will they work?

I actually like Montour. Even though he’s not that defensive-minded guy (at least from the limited play I saw of him this year), I think he’ll help with generating offense from the backend if that’s the direction they’re going in/trying to fill with Ekblad out. The parts of Sabres games I watched this year, particularly post-coaching change, he seemed to know when to jump into the play and when to stay back. When he did jump in, he was successful in either helping with scoring opportunities, or actually scoring.

A write from the Panthers website Breaks Montou down like this:

Montour, 26, appeared in 38 games with Buffalo this season, recording 14 points (5-9-14). The 6-foot, 194-pound native of Brantford, Ontario, led all Buffalo defensemen in goals (5), even-strength points (11), shorthanded points (2), while leading the team in blocked shots (53) and total even-strength time on ice (704:51).

Originally selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round (55th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Montour has appeared in 281 career NHL games for Buffalo (2018-19 to 2020-21) and Anaheim (2016-17 to 2017-18), amassing 105 points (29-76-105).

Through his NHL career, Montour has scored at least five goals in a season four times and has eclipsed the 20-point mark twice, producing a career-best 32 points and nine goals in 2017-18.

A two-time American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star, Montour led all AHL defensemen and rookies in assists (45) in 2015-16.

Prior to his professional career, the UMass-Amherst alum was named to the 2014-15 Hockey East All-Rookie Team and was named United States Hockey League Defenseman of the Year and Player of the Year in 2013-14.

On the international stage, Montour won a Silver Medal with Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.“


Adding a quote from Zito:

"Brandon is a capable and talented right-shot defenseman who will have an immediate impact on our club," said Zito. "His two-way acumen and ability to play important minutes make him an exciting addition to the Panthers."

__________________

What do you guys think of the moves? I’ve seen mixed reactions amongst Panthers fans. Do you think more are coming or is this it?

As always...Go Panthers!
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