Panthers forward Anton Lundell speaks to the media after Florida's 4-3 shootout win over Montreal on Feb. 29. Things are good around the Florida Panthers right now. Entering play Friday, the Panthers sat atop the entire NHL standings, both by points and points percentage, slightly ahead of the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks. That’ll happen when you lead the league with a stellar 22-4-2 record since late December. As we near the NHL Trade Deadline – which is coming up at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, March 8 – the Panthers are in a good spot. Knock on wood, but the team has no holes to fill or areas of need to shore up. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNjE3OTM2NjIzMjQ4NDky/img_6014.jpg] Now a lot can change between the beginning of March and round one of the playoffs, and that’s why Panthers General Manager Bill Zito may want to add a piece or two to the roster. Ultimately, Zito and his staff will decide what best suits the team as it prepares for another run at reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Outside of Pantherland, there are plenty of players out there who see the approaching trade deadline as an opportunity to move off a non-playoff roster and join one with a legitimate shot at hoisting the Cup. One of those players is Ottawa Senators forward Vladimir Tarasenko. The 32-year-old has 15 goals and 38 points through 55 games with the Senators this season, his first in Ottawa. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Tarasenko is willing to waive his no-trade clause and play for a team he’d consider a title contender. One team he’s reportedly interested in being acquired by is Florida. It does not appear, at least at this stage, that the interest is mutual. A potential deal was discussed by Pagnotta and The Hockey Show’s Roy Bellamy and Dave Dwork on Friday [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22--aTL6YjA&t=149s]. While Tarasenko’s best days are likely behind him, he’s still got some high-end offensive skills that could be very helpful to a team that’s already flush with premium forwards and looking for some depth. The question would be how well would Tarasenko’s game translate to the Panthers’ style of play. Florida employs a heavy, aggressive brand of hockey that relies on strong defensive play and elite awareness and communication. Tarasenko is not a bad defensive player, but how well he’d fit in with what Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice asks of his wingers is something Zito will have to decide. There are other factors to take into account as well. Tarasenko carries a $5 million cap hit on an expiring contract. Florida is expected to have just over $5.7 million in cap space after the deadline passes, according to CapFriendly. Ottawa is reportedly looking to obtain a second-round pick for Tarasenko, and whether they are willing to retain any of his salary will go a long way toward another team agreeing to what they’re seeking. If Florida was interested in paying that kind of price, their next available second-round pick isn’t until 2025. On its surface, this doesn’t feel like a great fit for the Panthers, or for the Senators. Ottawa will be looking to maximize Tarasenko’s value, which will be predicated on how many teams are interested in his services, and it’s unlikely the Panthers go near what Ottawa’s reported asking price is. Still, you never know what might be in the minds of those in either team’s front office. Pagnotta did name the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights as teams who are among those interested in potentially acquiring Tarasenko. The deadline is less than a week away. Stay tuned. LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA The Hockey Show: Previewing the NHL Trade Deadline with David Pagnotta and Darren Dreger [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/the-hockey-show-previewing-the-nhl-trade-deadline-with-david-pagnotta-and-darren-dreger] Three takeaways: A Tkachuk kind of night, Lundell gaining confidence [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/three-takeaways-a-tkachuk-kind-of-night-lundell-gaining-confidence] Sam Reinhart has big night, Panthers come back to beat Montreal in shootout [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/game-day/sam-reinhart-has-big-night-panthers-come-back-to-beat-montreal-in-shootout] Sam Reinhart scores 40th goal as epic season with Florida Panthers continues [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/latest-news/sam-reinhart-scores-40th-goal-as-epic-season-with-florida-panthers-continues] 'Probably the best I have ever felt': At 35 years old, Sergei Bobrovsky thriving with Cup contending Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/probably-the-best-i-have-ever-felt-at-35-years-old-sergei-bobrovsky-thriving-with-cup-contending-panthers] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNjQxMjA5NjI4NzMxMDIz/unnamed.jpg]
