The Florida Panthers’ pursuit of another blockbuster move may have hit its first major obstacle.
Fresh off acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators, speculation quickly shifted to Florida’s goaltending situation. With Sergei Bobrovsky’s future uncertain, the Panthers have been linked to Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck as a potential long-term solution between the pipes.
However, despite reported discussions between the two clubs, an NHL insider believes a deal remains difficult to pull off.
Insider Throws Cold Water on Hellebuyck-to-Panthers Rumors
The urgency for Florida to land Hellebuyck is entirely tied to Sergei Bobrovsky’s contract situation. The 37-year-old veteran is set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1, and reports indicate his camp is hunting for a massive six- or seven-year deal worth around $42 million ($6M–$7M AAV).
If Florida decides to move on, Hellebuyck would be one of the most attractive options available.
But according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the biggest issue isn’t Florida’s interest; it’s the price Winnipeg is demanding.
“They’ve had a number of conversations with Winnipeg. The problem is, the same player Ottawa wanted that Florida would not trade is, I think, the same player Winnipeg definitely wants, and that’s Anton Lundell, and Florida will not trade him.
“They see him as indispensable in their efforts to win another cup over the next few years,” LeBrun reported.
That stance appears to be where negotiations have stalled.
The Panthers view Lundell as a core piece of their future and have no interest in including the 24-year-old center in a blockbuster deal. As a result, Winnipeg is left without the centerpiece asset it reportedly covets most.
LeBrun also questioned whether Florida has enough remaining assets to put together a package that would satisfy Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.
“With Lundell and with so many assets out the door already, I have a hard time coming up with a package that Florida could entice Winnipeg enough with so they’re gonna keep trying. I just don’t know if what they’re putting together will ever entice Winnipeg,” LeBrun added.
That’s the challenge facing Bill Zito.
The Panthers have spent years aggressively trading futures to build a Stanley Cup contender, and that success has come at the cost of a thinner prospect pool and fewer premium trade chips. Without Lundell, finding a package that matches Winnipeg’s asking price becomes significantly more complicated.
For now, Florida still appears focused on finding common ground with Bobrovsky before making an all-out push for another goaltender. Hellebuyck remains an intriguing option, but unless the Panthers change their stance on Lundell, or the Jets lower their demands, the blockbuster deal may remain out of reach.
As things stand, the road to bringing Hellebuyck to Sunrise appears far more complicated than many initially expected.
