In two trades, the Florida Panthers added a top pairing for their defense.  The price was steep, as the team shipped out centers Ryan Johansen and Vladislav Nesterovic, top prospect Travis Sanheim and a future first round pick.  Coming back are defensemen Victor Hedman and Kevin Shattenkirk, two legit top-pairing defensemen in their prime.

After the trades, the Panthers defense figures to go into the season with Hedman and Shattenkirk on the top pair, former top pick and defensive stalwart Adam Larsson on the second pair with offensive-minded rookie Shayne Gostisbehere, and former first round picks Calvin de Haan and Simon Despres on the third pair.  The team also has veterans Ron Hainsey and Robert Bortuzzo as depth.  At 27 years old, Shattenkirk is the oldest of the team's starting blueliners.  Given that there are no legitimate prospects waiting in the wings, that's a good thing.

With the defense set, GM Epstein will likely turn his attention to the goaltending.  The team has Michael Hutchinson and Robin Lehner returning, but is likely to look for a top goalie in the offseason.  Rumor has it that Epstein is happy with the potential free agent class, and will make signing a goaltender his top priority.

Up front, the team has lots of depth and some very good young players, but will likely look for a top liner, probably center if one can be had.  As of now, the likely forward lines are:

Artemi Panarin - Jack Eichel - Alexander Galchenyuk

Nino Niederetter - Sam Reinhart - Anthony Duclair

Jakub Silfverberg - Curtis Lazar - Charlie Coyle

Kevin Hayes - Paul Byron - Calle Jankrok

with Jesper Fast as the 13th forward.  Of course, Jack Eichel has yet to be drafted by the team, but it seems rather likely.

All in all, with the blueline set and some legitimate firepower up front (albeit with 4 rookies in the top-6) the team should be a lock for the playoffs if they improve the goaltending.  Given the $25M or so the team will have in Cap room, that seems like a good possibility.