Florida Panthers Attempting to Use LTIR Loophole Again, Bending NHL Rules

The Florida Panthers are heading into the new NHL season with a familiar issue: they're over the salary cap and need to make a move in order to be compliant.

On 'The Leaf Report Podcast', James Mirtle says that forward Evan Rodrigues is emerging as the most likely trade candidate. With training camp on the horizon, the clock is ticking on GM Bill Zito to make a move.

Rodrigues and his $3 million cap hit are considered expendable, not because of underperformance, but because he's not considered part of the club's untouchable core.

Trading him would allow Florida to clear enough salary to drop below the cap without disrupting its top forwards or defense pairings.

There may be more to the delay, however, than just trade logistics. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said that Florida might be waiting to find out whether star winger Matthew Tkachuk requires surgery.

If he does, the Panthers can place him on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) to create cap space in the near term.

That possibility has led some around the league to question whether Florida is seeking an LTIR loophole yet again, like some contenders have attempted in recent years, including the Panthers.

Until Tkachuk's case is resolved, Rodrigues remains in limbo. Zito is reportedly talking to several cap-space teams and will request draft picks or low-salary prospects in return.

As the league holds its collective breath while waiting to find out what Florida will do next, it's clear the Panthers are trying to thread the needle between cap compliance and keeping their Stanley Cup-contending roster intact.