When the Florida Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk on Sunday, they saw their cap space for the 2025-26 season drop to roughly $7 million. Considering the club has no goalies signed, General Manager Bill Zito continues to inquire about Winnipeg Jets starter Connor Hellebuyck, who requested a trade about a month ago.
Right now, the former Hart Trophy winner is in the third year of an eight-year deal that pays him $8.5 million annually. So, on paper, the math doesn’t add up, and the Panthers should be out of the hunt for the three-time Vezina Trophy.
Some traction on Connor Hellebuyck trade talks.
Florida still looking into this as of now.
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) June 24, 2026
Yet, somehow, on Wednesday, NHL Insiders are still discussing the latest rumors, which indicate that Florida is still talking to the Jets about acquiring another franchise goalie.
After the blockbuster deal with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, many insiders said the Panthers parted with several draft picks because center Anton Lundell is not available and will not be available for future deals.
Talks involving NYR centre Vincent Trocheck seem to have picked up a bit today. Some noise surrounding the Sabres engaging, among other clubs.
Also, some talk that Florida has circled back on Hellebuyck. #tistheseason
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 24, 2026
Ultimately, this means Zito will have to part with another roster player, with some wondering whether that is Evan Rodrigues, Eetu Luostarinen, or both, since they both make over $3 million. Even then, the money doesn’t add up, since the Panthers will still need a backup and fill out the bottom six.
Considering some big names have swapped jerseys over the past few days, it appears the NHL offseason is already in high gear. Until Hellebuyck lands in Florida or another city, these rumors and speculative comments won’t die down.
If the Panthers did acquire Hellebuyck, who led Matthew and Brady Tkachuk to an Olympic Gold Medal in February, the club would become instant top contenders. However, there is also talk that the door isn’t closed on a reunion with Sergei Bobrovsky, who led the franchise to its only Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.
No matter what happens between now and opening night, the Panthers need a top goalie and continue to be linked to one of today’s greatest.
