NHL teams
Joe McDonald, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

2016-17 season preview: Florida Panthers

NHL, Florida Panthers

Despite the fact that they're coming off the best finish in franchise history (103 points), the Florida Panthers were one of the busiest teams during the offseason. Even the team logo is new (and it's pretty cool, too).

Former general manager Dale Tallon was promoted to president of hockey operations, while Tom Rowe took over as general manager.

The Panthers acquired veteran defenseman Keith Yandle from the New York Rangers and then signed him to a seven-year deal worth $44.45 million. Florida also traded defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for defensive prospect Mark Pysyk, and acquired goaltender Reto Berra from the Colorado Avalanche for center Rocco Grimaldi. The Panthers also signed goalie James Reimer, center Colton Sceviour, center Jonathan Marchessault and defenseman Jason Demers. All these moves should help them build off last season's success, but it will be interesting to see how all the changes play out in Florida.

Best new faces

The additions of Yandle and Demers will bolster the blue line. Yandle's presence no doubt will help the power play, too. When it was evident that the Rangers weren't going to be able to sign Yandle because of cap constraints, there were plenty of suitors for the veteran blueliner.

"When they traded for my rights, I knew they wanted me," Yandle said. "It was a great feeling for me to be wanted, especially before to get to [free agency] on July 1. I knew once something could get settled, it would be a good fit."

Demers registered 23 or more points in each of the past three seasons while playing for the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars before signing a five-year deal with Florida this summer. Reimer will serve as backup to starter Roberto Luongo. The Panthers gave Reimer a five-year deal worth $17 million.

Biggest unknowns

Jaromir Jagr seems like he's been around forever. The grizzly veteran forward -- who led the team last season with 66 points -- rolls into this season at age 44 but shows no signs of stopping. The future Hall of Famer surpassed Gordie Howe to rank third on the NHL's all-time scoring list when he reached 1,851 points last season. It's likely he'll pass Mark Messier for second on that list soon since Jagr begins the season only 19 points shy of that mark.

But how much does Jagr have left in the tank? The game is getting younger and faster each season, and it's only a matter of time before it catches up with him. To his credit, he remains in great shape. But he has to slow down at some point, right?

Forward Nick Bjugstad, who dealt with an upper-body injury during the playoffs and is now out with a broken hand, is lost to the team for four weeks. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad signed an eight-year extension worth $60 million in July, but then had his World Cup of Hockey experience cut short because of whiplash he suffered while playing for Team North America. How these players react to their injuries once fully recovered will be key.

Sure things

Aleksander Barkov, 21, proved during the World Cup while playing for Team Finland that he's set to continue breaking out. During 2015-16, he registered 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 66 games for the Panthers. Entering his fourth season in the NHL, Barkov could be one of the most dynamic players in the league.

Teammate Reilly Smith, who signed a five-year extension this summer, had his best overall NHL season in 2015-16. The 25-year-old forward posted 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 82 games. He's become a leader on and off the ice for the Panthers, who once again will rely on his production. 

Second-line center Vincent Trocheck, 23, earned himself a six-year contract worth $28.5 million in July. He had 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 76 games last season and looked good in the World Cup. Forward Jonathan Huberdeau, 23, posted 20 goals and 39 assists for 59 points in 76 games last season, and the Panthers rewarded him with a six-year deal worth $34.5 million during the summer. Both can be counted on to continue their development this season.

Prediction

The Panthers will build on last season's success, and now that their core of young talent has emerged as bona fide NHLers, they will again earn a postseason berth. Third in the Atlantic.

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