Panthers Set to Meet With Star UFAs Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin

The Florida Panthers are set to meet with two of the most sought-after free agents of the 2019 NHL offseason. On Monday, Columbus standouts Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky will head down to Miami.

Both Blue Jackets became unrestricted free agents after an incredible playoff run, which saw them sweep the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning, ended at the hands of the Boston Bruins. The pair will be meeting with a number of teams over the next few weeks, but the Panthers have reportedly emerged as the early favorites to sign the star duo.

Clarification, earlier reports stated Panarin (and Bobrovsky) were to arrive in Florida today, that isn’t the case, however they still will be meeting with the #FlaPanthers https://t.co/BTwqH68Ora
— NHL Rumors (@NHLRumorsDaily) June 23, 2019

The Panthers had a solid season last year, finishing with a 36-32 record and 86 points. However, with the Atlantic Division full of heavy hitters like the Lightning, Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida will need a significant roster facelift in order to stay competitive.

This teeam is much more comfortable at the forward position by comparison, with guys like Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau emerging as stars. Although they'd like to sign both Panarin and Bobrovsky, they may opt to prioritize Bob given that 40-year-old goaltender Roberto Luongo is nearing the end of his career.

NHL UFA speaking period opens Sunday. Coveted free agent goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and winger Artemi Panarin will be in FLA to meet with the Panthers on Monday. FLA would like to sign both but need a goalie more than a forward so the priority may be Bob.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 22, 2019

If the Panthers sign at least one of these former Blue Jackets, they'll be that much better suited to compete for a top-three spot in the Atlantic Division. If they can somehow land both Panarin and Bobrovsky, they stand to be a serious threat in the East.