The Florida Panthers are what you would consider a bubble team at this point in the season sitting just four points outside of a playoff spot. But my question is, do they belong there?

You may have read articles this year about the GM of Florida Panthers Vinny Viola, getting selected for the Secretary of the Army by President Donald Trump, as well as the rumors of the organization firing their coach and leaving him behind at the arena following a road game at Carolina. These may have been causes of distraction for the team, but for some reason they are hanging around the bubble with realistic hope of making the playoffs.

As a Panthers season ticket holder, I may be a bit biased on this, but as a fan, I personally do not think they belong in the playoff picture with the way they have played this year. There is still 1/3 of the season left, so it is certainly not too late to make some changes. Tom Rowe has not yet had enough time to truly show his impact as a head coach, but a few moves could give him the lineup he needs to make it work. The Panthers have a low chance of competing for the Stanley Cup with the lineup they have, but with a few potential moves that I will discuss below, and the unpredictability of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they could still make a surprise run and compete this year.

What I think the team should do:

Nick Bjugstad needs to be traded to a team that needs a number two center. He has not performed to the standards that are expected from a top line center on any team. While he has only played 25 games this season, his stat line of four points is a glaring drop-off from his 34 last season, and career high of 43. Personally, I think the best move would be to look for a second pairing D man or a top 6 winger in exchange for Bjugstad.

Jaromir Jagr would be the next player that needs to go. He has been slow and under performing like the rest of the team. His going rate for the last 5 years has been a second round pick in the NHL draft, but his age is always a factor. If we are able to get an early round draft pick for him, the team would be in great shape heading into the draft. It would also open up a position for winger/center Jonathan Marchessault to step into first line minutes.

Coming off there best season in franchise history, it is really hard to sit back and watch this team slide the way they have. The Panthers are going to need their goalies to step it up on this upcoming five game road trip as well. I think with some moves before the deadline this team can still compete in the playoffs, but a lot of things will need to go their way for it to happen.