Fansided

NHL Trade Rumors: Panthers could target Dustin Byfuglien

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 26, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; St. Louis Blues forward Dmitrij Jaskin (23) is hit by Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (33) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; St. Louis Blues forward Dmitrij Jaskin (23) is hit by Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien (33) during the first period at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to recent reports, the Florida Panthers are expected to try to trade for Dustin Byfuglien

The Florida Panthers currently find themselves in first place in the Atlantic Division. They are in a great position to potentially make a playoff run. One of the few weaknesses that the team has had is productivity from their blue line. Aaron Ekblad and Brian Campbell are their only defensemen who have over 10 points. Another one of those weaknesses is the power play. They have the 23rd ranked power play in the NHL (17.4 percent conversion rate).

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Panthers could kill two birds with one stone by trading for Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien.

From Sportsnet:

"Since we’re throwing things at the wall, here’s another: Now that Florida is showing itself to be a playoff contender, it would surprise no one if the Panthers took a run at Byfuglien. GM Dale Tallon was in Chicago when Byfuglien was drafted, and took over the hockey operations as he rose through the organization. He’s a fan. Something to watch for."

It’s interesting that Panthers general manager Dale Tallon is very familiar with Dustin Byfuglien. Something worth noting is that Byfuglien is versatile. He can be either a forward or a defenseman. However, Tallon is only familiar with Byfuglien as a forward. Byfuglien played an important role in the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run in 2010 as a forward. He has since converted to a defenseman but he has filled in at forward when needed.

Byfuglien has 23 points in 39 games this season. He has eight points on the power play.

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