Fresh off their second straight Stanley Cup title, the Florida Panthers continue to shape their roster for a potential three-peat, acquiring goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday in exchange for a fifth-round pick in this weekend’s NHL Draft (160th overall).
The 26-year-old Tarasov becomes the heir apparent to Florida’s current starting goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has played a vital role in backstopping the franchise to back-to-back championships. While Bobrovsky remains under contract and firmly entrenched as the No. 1, the Panthers made a forward-looking move in bringing in the younger netminder, who is currently a restricted free agent.
Tarasov and Bobrovsky not only share a professional bond, but a hometown connection as well — both hailing from Novokuznetsk, a city deep in Siberia. In a poetic twist, Tarasov’s father, Vadim Tarasov, was a professional goalie and one of Bobrovsky’s early idols growing up. That legacy may now come full circle, with Daniil learning from the very player his father helped inspire.
Tarasov has shown flashes of high-end potential during his time in Columbus, though injuries and inconsistency limited his starts. Still, Florida sees him as a long-term option in net, especially as Bobrovsky turns 36 later this year.
With Vitek Vanecek expected to leave in free agency, Columbus offloads a goalie and adds a mid-round pick to bolster their draft capital. The Blue Jackets also made another move Thursday, reacquiring a familiar face in Brendan Gaunce from the Minnesota Wild, trading minor league forward Cameron Butler in return.
Gaunce, 31, previously spent three seasons with Columbus (2021–24) and now returns after a one-year stint in Minnesota, where he logged one assist, 18 hits, and seven blocked shots in 12 games. Known more for his physicality and defensive play, Gaunce brings depth and veteran presence to the Blue Jackets’ bottom-six forward group.
Butler, 23, made a single NHL appearance for Columbus this past March, suiting up against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He registered three points (2G, 1A) and 74 penalty minutes in 37 AHL games with Cleveland during the 2024–25 season.
As Florida reshapes its roster heading into next year, attention now turns to the fates of several key players, including playoff MVP Sam Bennett, trade deadline acquisition Brad Marchand, and longtime defenseman Aaron Ekblad, all of whom could be in line for new deals or critical decisions in the days ahead.
With the NHL Draft looming and free agency set to open July 1, Thursday’s activity may just be the start of an active offseason for both the Panthers and the Blue Jackets.
