It is almost like Bill Zito and the Florida Panthers read my article yesterday and thought “that guy is right” because 2 of my predictions came true less than 24 hours later. Zito, I will send you my resume if you are hiring?
In not so shocking news, the Cats bought out defenseman Keith Yandle. While the 2022-2023 salary cap hit is not fun, my guess is Zito feels as though the salary cap will go up in 2 seasons and it will not be the killer looming over their heads.
Rumors in South Florida were of Yands selling his house and everyone thought he was going to be asked to waive his NMC. When the news came out that he wasn’t asked to waive the NMC, it seemed as though a buyout was inevitable.
On more positive news, the Panthers were able to sign Bobby Orrsling, as teammates affectionately call him, to a 3 year deal at $2.66 AAV. Forsling was well deserving of this contract and the Cats got him at the price point which I was expecting and calling for yesterday. This seems to be a bit of a bridge deal to lock him down until after the Yandle buyout gets through the painful stage.
This is a big signing and I think Forsling is the right piece for the Panthers moving forward. Also, with this signing, I think it is safe to say that the Cats will protect him in the upcoming expansion draft.
It seems like Zito and the Panthers are on a mission with the end goal being to lift the Stanley Cup much like their instate rivals have done the last two seasons.