Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
4. Florida Panthers
Departures: Tom Gilbert, Scott Clemmensen
Arrivals: Jussi Jokinen, Dave Bolland, Derek MacKenzie, Shawn Thornton, Aaron Ekblad, Willie Mitchell, Greg Zanon, Al Montoya
The Panthers will be the most improved team in the NHL by far. Having Roberto Luongo for a full season will do wonders for the team. Ekblad should have a great start to his career. Playing in a non-hockey market should actually help him avoid the pressure that usually comes with being a first overall pick.
To go with all the youngsters they have, the Panthers brought in quality veterans like Jokinen, Bolland, Thornton and Mitchell. All but Jokinen have won the Stanley Cup. That experience should help Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjustad and other Florida youngsters develop at a faster pace.
Florida’s playoff chances will more than likely fall on how strong the Metropolitan Division is this season and if their fourth and fifth-place teams are better than the fourth and fifth-placed teams in the Atlantic.