Alexander Wennberg is going to the Florida Panthers on a one-year deal. New Panthers GM Bill Zito knows Wennberg well from their history in Columbus. As such, it’s not surprising he’d be interested in bringing back the defensive-minded center after his old team bought Wennberg out. The deal is worth $2.25 million.
Wennberg is a good defensive forward who wasn’t given an offensive role at the end of his run there. But, when he was at his best, Wennberg was Artemin Panarin’s center in Columbus and when the two were paired together, they had success and great puck possession numbers.
Perhaps the Panthers are hoping they can land another winger in free agency and team them up together. Even if they don’t, this is a no risk and potential high reward signing for Florida.
Wennberg Can Add a Piece for the Panthers
A first-round pick (14th overall) by the Blue Jackets at the 2013 NHL Draft, Wennberg had five goals and 22 points in 57 games with the Blue Jackets this past season. After the NHL returned to action thanks to a pandemic paus, he had three goals and five points in 10 playoff games.
Next: Everything You Really Need to Know Heading Into Start of NHL Free Agency 2020
