This time, Zito pulled off another major deal, trading 2019 first-round pick and backup goalie Spencer Knight, along with a future first-round selection in 2026 or 2027, to acquire Jones from the Blackhawks. Once again, the Panthers managed to add a high-caliber player without disrupting their core lineup.

The NHL trade deadline is less than a week away, and the market is starting to heat up. The Florida Panthers made a move to bolster their blue line by acquiring defenseman Seth Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks,

The most interesting development about Tkachuk’s placement on LTIR is that it frees up $9.5 million in cap space, setting up the Panthers to make additions ahead of Friday’s trade deadline, exploiting a widely known NHL salary cap loophole.

Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito issued an honest statement, announcing when the team expects Matthew Tkachuk to return from his injury.

The Florida Panthers' quest to repeat as Stanley Cup champions has taken a major hit. After injuring his groin in the 4 Nations Face-Off, the Panthers announced star forward Matthew Tkachuk has been placed on LTIR and will likely be out until the Stanley Cup Playoffs.