Here are 5 forwards the Panthers should target in Free Agency.

Team Needs: Top 6 Winger; Solid Bottom 6 Role Player

Artemi Panarin

Image Credit to USA Today

The Russian winger is the #1 forward to hit the market this summer and will be a solid catch for any team interested in him. Panarin has been constantly linked to Florida throughout the past months. Panarin is good friends with Panther forward Evengii Dadonov and he has a house in Miami. Panarin would help shore up the hole the Panthers have in the top 6 and would help provide a nice scoring touch. He will be reunited with former coach Joel Quenneville who will use him effectively.

Stats: 79 GP, 28-59-87

Est Cost: $9,000,000

 

Joonas Donskoi

Image Credit to Wikipedia

After the Panthers drafted him and stupidly relinquished his rights, Donskoi has become a solid presence on the San Jose Sharks. Donskoi has become a solid third line winger and could be a very nice piece alongside young Henrik Borgstrom and the breakout Frank Vatrano. The 27 year old Finn could also be pretty cheap, as Donskoi has been overshadowed throughout his career, however he has been a crucial part of the Sharks depth. Donskoi’s +10 rating could help the Panthers as another defensive forward.

Stats: 80 GP, 14-23-37

Est Salary: $3,666,667

Greg McKegg

Image Credit to NHL.com

The Panthers need a 4th line center and I think the Panthers should bring back a familiar face. Greg McKegg was a solid bottom 6 performer for the Panthers from 2015-17 and he can help pull 4th line duty as well as help out the Springfield Thunderbirds. McKegg had 2 crucial goals for the Hurricanes in the playoffs, as he was able to secure a spot in the starting lineup. McKegg would be a cheap option to help out the Panthers. McKegg can also kill penalties helping take stress off of Barkov and Trocheck and is a solid replacement for Derek Mackenzie/Riley Sheahan

Stats: 41 GP, 6-5-11

Est Salary: $850,000

Devante Smith-Pelly

Image credit to Wikipedia

Devante Smith-Pelly seems like a classic option for Dale Tallon as a 4th line winger. Smith-Pelly saw limited time in DC last year after a solid performance in the Capitals Cup winning year. The veteran Smith-Pelly also adds cup experience to the Panthers lineup. Smith-Pelly also seems like he could thrive under the Quenneville system and I think a stay in the Sunshine State can really help him out.

Stats: 54 GP, 4-4-8

Est Salary: $800,000

Patrick Maroon

Image Credit to Hickling Images

Patrick Maroon is the prototypical Dale Tallon player. A tough guy who can score. Maroon can help provide a presence in the bottom 6 and step up into the top 6 in case of injuries. He can protect the Panthers young stars and his veteran insight can prove invaluable to the Panthers young core. Currently, Maroon is in the Cup Finals as the Blues are set to take on the Bruins.

Stats: 74 GP, 10-18-28

Est Salary: $1,650,000