The Florida Panthers, fresh off their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, made a move to solidify their goaltending depth by acquiring Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, June 26, 2025. In exchange for the 26-year-old netminder, the Panthers sent a fifth-round pick (160th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft to Columbus. While this trade addresses an immediate need for a reliable backup behind Sergei Bobrovsky, it also raises questions about the future of pending UFA Vitek Vanecek and the Panthers' long-term cap situation, suggesting that Vanecek will likely test free agency.

Tarasov, a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights, is coming off a three-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.05 million. He posted a 7-10-2 record with a 3.54 goals-against average (GAA) and an .881 save percentage in 20 games for the Blue Jackets in the 2024-25 season. While his numbers may not be eye-popping, the Panthers clearly see potential in the 6-foot-5 Russian goalie, who also recorded his first NHL shutout this past season.

Panthers General Manager Bill Zito, who drafted Tarasov when he was assistant GM with the Blue Jackets, is familiar with Tarasov's skillset. Tarasov will likely slot in as Bobrovsky's primary backup, replacing Vanecek, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the San Jose Sharks.

However, the Panthers have until Monday to extend Tarasov a qualifying offer. Assuming Florida gives qualifying offers to both Tarasov and restricted free agent forward Mackie Samoskevich, the Panthers will have 18 players — 11 forwards, five defensemen and two goaltenders — under contract before factoring in any potential moves with their pending free agents.

The acquisition of Tarasov is a strategic move with both short-term and long-term implications. Bobrovsky, who will be 37 years old as of next season, is entering the final year of his seven-year, $70 million contract. While he has been instrumental in the Panthers' recent success, including their back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, his age and workload are factors to consider. Tarasov, at 26, could potentially be the "netminder of the future" in Florida, providing a younger, more cost-effective option in the coming years.

The Panthers also have key decisions to make regarding their pending free agents, including forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, and defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Re-signing these players will be crucial to maintaining their championship core, but it will also put a strain on their salary cap. With limited cap space, the Panthers may have to make difficult choices, potentially leading to the departure of valuable players like Vanecek.

Ultimately, the Panthers' acquisition of Daniil Tarasov is a calculated gamble. It provides them with a capable backup goalie for the present while also offering a potential long-term solution in net. However, it also signals a likely departure of Vitek Vanecek and underscores the challenges the Panthers face in managing their salary cap as they strive to remain a top contender in the NHL.