The Florida Panthers have traded winger Anthony Duclair to the San Jose Sharks, the team announced on Saturday. In exchange, forward Steven Lorentz and a 2025 fifth-round pick are going to the Panthers.
Duclair played in only 20 regular-season games last season due to a torn Achilles suffered the previous year. However, he returned in time to contribute to the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final, recording four goals and 11 points in 20 playoff games.
When healthy, Duclair provides speed and skill to any lineup. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 31 goals and added 27 assists, contributing to the offensive success of the Panthers. The Sharks will benefit from Duclair’s scoring ability in their top six forwards.
Since Duclair has one year and $3 million remaining on his contract, he could be a valuable player for the Sharks to trade to a playoff contender who needs a scoring boost.
Lorentz, now a member of the Florida Panthers, is a depth winger entering his fourth NHL season. In the previous season, he registered 10 goals and nine assists in 80 games with the Sharks. He will earn just over $1 million in the 2023-24 campaign.
The Panthers are close to the salary cap limit, and this trade creates some salary cap space for them. General Manager Bill Zito has been proactive in improving the roster, and this move gives him additional flexibility to make further trades or signings.
