The Florida Panthers have made a crucial addition by acquiring goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. This move secures Bobrovsky’s backup role and potentially sets Tarasov up as his successor. At just 26, Tarasov brings youth and talent, coming from the same Siberian town as Bobrovsky. Meanwhile, the Panthers are also focused on retaining key players such as Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad as they pursue another championship.

In other NHL developments, the Minnesota Wild traded veteran center Freddy Gaudreau to the Seattle Kraken for a fourth-round pick. Gaudreau had a strong regular season but faltered during the playoffs. The Wild now have an opportunity to rebuild with additional draft picks while the Kraken bolster their depth at center.