Panthers hoping Chiarot acquisition adds relief to blue line
Summary
The Panthers — who started Thursday second in the NHL with 88 points, behind only Colorado’s 91 — are the only team in the league to have a pair of players log so much ice time so far. And he’s heading to a Florida team that’s all-in on Stanley Cup aspirations this year, one on pace to smash the franchise record for goals and points in a season — and finally end the drought that the club has long been tired of hearing about, that being how it hasn’t won a playoff series since 1996. They have a powerful team and they have as good a chance as anyone.” The 30-year-old Chiarot had seven goals and 11 assists for the Canadiens this season and was one of the more talked-about names on the NHL trade market in recent weeks. It’s a great place to be a hockey player and for the rest of my life I’ll be happy that I played here.” The Panthers are open to keeping Chiarot after this season; the free-agent-to-be said he hasn’t thought that far yet. With the trade deadline not until Monday, and with Florida having cap space left, it’s entirely possible that the team’s playoff-push shopping doesn’t end with Chiarot.