#AskGR Mailbag
Time for the November Edition of the Florida Panthers Mailbag


As we head into the holiday season, it is time for another Florida Panthers Mailbag.
We know you have plenty of questions. Let’s get to answering them.
There is plenty going on in Pantherland from lineup and roster questions, the AHL Checkers and so, so much more.
Any and all questions are welcomed. I will try my best to answer them all.
The October FHN Florida Panthers Mailbag
Getting your questions in is easy: You can either leave them here in the comment section or use Twitter using the #AskGR hashtag.
Questions need to be in by Saturday at 4 p.m. and will be published here at Florida Hockey Now on Sunday morning.
It really is that simple.
Ready, set … and go!
PANTHERS ON DECK
FLORIDA PANTHERS @ ANAHEIM DUCKS
- When: Friday, 10 p.m.
- Where: Honda Center, Anaheim
- TV/Streaming: Bally Sports Florida, ESPN+
- Radio: WQAM 560-AM; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
- Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
- This Season: @Anaheim, Friday; @Florida, Jan. 15
- Last season: Florida won 2-0
- All-time regular season series: Florida leads 21-14-2, 3 ties
- Up Next for the Panthers: Monday vs. Edmonton, 7 p.m.


How do we get productivity from the 3rd line? Lundy and Lusty do many good things that do not show up in stats. I feel Maurice is trying to juggle lines to get that one on the scoreboard.
We have several pending key UFAs this off-season. Do you see us being able to retain Reinhart, Montour, Forsling, and re-sign RFA Lundell?
Maurice has been putting the forward lines in a blender the last few games. Do you think this has to do with potentially signing Patrick Kane? For example I noticed they put Erod with Lundell and lusto- perhaps kane replaces him on the first line?
Do you think the Panthers will be in on Zadorov (Calgary) since he’s said he will not re-sign with the team? Will Bill Zito make it a Calgary reunion, since we have 3 ex-Flames? Thanks.
Question about the D-Men. Since Mahura is now out, and Balinskis can be sent to Charlotte, that will solve the problem of the roster, for now, with Ekblad and Montour coming back. Long term, if the Panthers sign Montour to a 7 year, $7M deal, do you think they’ll trade Ekblad to free up cap space?
Given Huberdeau’s difficult landing in Calgary, I have to believe it’s due to team culture. He isn’t as good as his deal represents but he has definite talent when he is in the right situation. Is there any way we could broach a deal with Calgary, who definitely are feeling like the fools in that deal, to bring him back here? I know we would never take his contract. But we would have power position in negotiations. Is there ANY way you see that reunion possible? I hated how he was traded in the dark of night but love what… Read more »
Do you anticipate Knight being brought up, and if so when? I think it is crucial for the Cats to see if he can be a solid NHL starter. Next season Bob’s contract becomes movable, and while he has been wracking up the Ws this season, being able to get out of the final 2 years of his $10M AAV would sure help get our UFAs resigned.
What’s the fastest animal on Earth?
Lmao
I know it’s early, but let’s fast forward to the trade deadline. We can comfortably roll 4 solid lines on offense, even without Kane. The makeshift D has been surprisingly strong and we are getting our stars back. Bob has been solid, Knight is getting some play time and confidence. The team is acclimated and excelling in the Maurice system. Barring injuries, do we dare make a move? I can’t handle another Chiarot type trade that we may not need.
Aleksander Barkov’s injury at Anaheim Friday nite appeared to be a direct hit to the knee-cap. Re. the protective equipment for this exact area of the leg, can you describe the rigidity/flexibility of the piece designed expressly to protect the cap, and whether or not you think it can be improved upon?