### Florida Panthers Strengthen Goaltending with Daniil Tarasov Acquisition The Florida Panthers have made a strategic move to bolster their goaltending lineup by acquiring 26-year-old goaltender Daniil Tarasov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. In exchange, the Panthers have sent their fifth-round pick (160th overall) in the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft to Columbus. This acquisition comes as the Panthers look to solidify their roster following their recent success as back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Tarasov, who has shown potential despite a challenging season, is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2025, and has arbitration rights, adding an interesting dynamic to his future with the team [https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/florida-panthers-acquire-goaltender-daniil-tarasov][https://www.nhl.com/news/daniil-tarasov-traded-by-columbus-to-florida]. ### Breakdown of the Trade and Its Implications 1. **Trade Details**: - The Panthers acquired Daniil Tarasov for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_panthers_acquire_daniil_tarasov_from_blue_jackets_for_2025_pick]. 2. **Player Profile**: - Tarasov has a record of 7-10-2 in the 2024-25 season, with a save percentage of .881 and a goals-against average of 3.54 [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/panthers_likely_lose_ufa_after_trade_for_blue_jackets_daniil_tarasov]. - He stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs over 200 pounds, providing a significant physical presence in the net [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/report_panthers_acquire_daniil_tarasov_from_blue_jackets_for_2025_pick]. 3. **Future Considerations**: - The acquisition of Tarasov may signal the Panthers' intention to move on from current goaltender Vitek Vanecek, who is a pending unrestricted free agent [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/panthers_likely_lose_ufa_after_trade_for_blue_jackets_daniil_tarasov]. - Tarasov's history of injuries has limited his opportunities, but he has shown promise in both the NHL and AHL [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/blue_jackets_trade_daniil_tarasov_to_florida_panthers_for_draft_pick]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Tarasov's Performance Metrics**: - **Games Played**: 20 - **Wins**: 7 - **Losses**: 10 - **Ties**: 2 - **Save Percentage**: .881 - **Goals-Against Average**: 3.54 - **First NHL Shutout**: January 18 against the New York Rangers [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/panthers_likely_lose_ufa_after_trade_for_blue_jackets_daniil_tarasov]. ### Conclusion: Strategic Move for Future Success In summary, the Florida Panthers' acquisition of Daniil Tarasov represents a calculated risk with potential high rewards. The move aims to enhance their goaltending depth as they prepare for the next season. 1. **Acquisition Overview**: The Panthers traded a fifth-round pick for Tarasov, a promising goaltender with a mixed performance record. 2. **Future Implications**: This trade may lead to changes in the goaltending roster, particularly concerning Vitek Vanecek's status. 3. **Player Potential**: Despite injury setbacks, Tarasov's size and skill set could make him a valuable asset for the Panthers moving forward. This trade not only reflects the Panthers' commitment to maintaining a competitive edge but also their willingness to invest in young talent with upside potential [https://www.espn.co.uk/nhl/story/_/id/45591392/panthers-trade-pick-blue-jackets-goalie-daniil-tarasov].