Florida

Panthers Complete Multiple Trades Ahead of Deadline

The Panthers made several small trades prior to the NHL trade deadline on Monday afternoon

The Florida Panthers completed multiple small trades prior to the NHL's trade deadline on Monday.

Florida sent Derick Brassard to the Colorado Avalanche and acquired Cliff Pu from the Carolina Hurricanes in another deal. Florida also sent Tomas Jurco to the Hurricanes for future considerations in a separate trade. The Panthers included a conditional sixth-round pick with Brassard and received a third-round pick in return. If Brassard re-signs with Colorado, the Panthers will retain the sixth-round pick. Carolina will receive future considerations from Florida for Pu.

Brassard was acquired by Florida earlier this month and only appeared in ten games for the team. The veteran picked up a goal and added three assists in his brief time with the Panthers. Florida received Brassard in a trade on February 1st with the Pittsburgh Penguins, which also involved Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann.

The 20-year old Pu tallied six points in 44 games with the Columbus Checkers of the American Hockey League. The forward gives Florida some additional depth in the system and could get an NHL opportunity in the future. Pu will report to the Springfield Thunderbirds, Florida's affiliate in the AHL.

Jurco was playing with the Thunderbirds, where he compiled ten points in 14 games. The 26-year old has played in 201 career NHL games, but did not appear in any for Florida.

The Panthers are sitting far back in the playoff standings and will need a strong run in their final 22 games to have any chance at the postseason. Outside of Brassard, Florida elected to stick with the current roster and see what it could do. The Panthers may have been able to land a solid package for leading-scorer Mike Hoffman, but elected to hold onto the veteran.

Florida will next be on the ice against the Avalanche on Monday evening. Brassard should be available to play for his new team, as he was already in town with the Panthers. The Panthers meanwhile could be shorthanded for the contest, due to the late trade.

Monday's game is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m.

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