George Richards, FHN Publisher
SUNRISE — In years past, if the Florida Panthers lost Sasha Barkov to injury, they would be in deep trouble. The team certainly did not have the depth down the middle it does now.
Over the past few months, general manager Bill Zito’s greatest contribution to rebuilding the team’s roster has been at the center position.
Since the last trade deadline, Zito has added Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart and Joe Thornton.
Anton Lundell, the team’s top draft pick in 2020, is now a fixture in the Florida lineup and the play of Eetu Luostarinen has given the Panthers a boost.
This could be the deepest the Panthers have ever been at center — and that is without Barkov who is “week to week” with a left knee injury.
The Panthers have also been without Noel Acciari since preseason.
How deep is Florida at center?
Reinhart, who is a natural center and looked great there at the end of last season with Buffalo, remains on the wing even with Barkov out.
“We have done a good job this year of stepping up and this is another big test,” coach Andrew Brunette said after Wednesday’s practice. “Barky is irreplaceable as we all know. But we have guys who can step up and definitely have guys who can be first-line centers in this league.
“We’re very fortunate to have the depth we do up the middle of the ice. Hopefully we have a Hall of Famer ready to play here soon and we feel comfortable at center.”
So, with Barkov out, what is Florida’s big plan?
First off, Brunette has moved Bennett up to the top spot reuniting him with Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Duclair.
When Bennett was first acquired from Calgary at last season’s trade deadline, this is the line he was put on — with pretty terrific results.
“It’s going to be fun, we were excited about it practice out there,” Bennett said. “We had chemistry last year and we are looking forward to getting the opportunity to play together again.”
Said Brunette: “I think they played really well in stretches together last year. Duke is playing at a high level this year and Benny is kind of coming, he missed some time and he has been getting his feet wet, his game is escalating. I’m looking forward to seeing them play.”
Lundell, the heavily-counted on rookie, moves up to center the second line with Carter Verhaeghe and Reinhart on his wings.
When Florida drafted Lundell with its first-round pick in 2020 — Zito’s first draft — his future track had him eventually being the team’s center behind Barkov.
Now he’s getting a chance to get top-6 minutes a lot sooner than previously thought.
”Everybody knows it,” Lundell said when asked about players needing to step in to help cover for the loss of Barkov.
“He is a big part of the team and everyone knows they need to step up and do their best.”
Thornton, the NHL’s active leading scorer, has been out since the end of October but was centering Florida’s third line Wednesday with Frank Vatrano and Owen Tippett.
Florida would have to activate him for Thursday’s game.
On the fourth line, Luostarinen has handled that role for a while although Florida has rolled him up and down the lineup this season. His improved, consistent play has been a boon for the Panthers.
Luostarinen will center Ryan Lomberg and Patric Hornqvist barring a call-up — or the return of Maxim Mamin.
Lomberg scored on Tuesday night so it’s probably safe that he stays in.