Maple Leafs on notice as Panthers prepare blockbuster move

Toronto needs to be on the lookout for a Panthers blockbuster after they placed MacKenzie Entwistle on waivers.

Wednesdaycame with the news that the Florida Panthers placed MacKenzie Entwistle on waivers as a way to shoe up some roster and cap space. With the injuries to Sasha Barkov and Brad Marchand playing a role in their early season, Florida needs to get some insurance if they want to keep alive in the Atlantic.

That means they are likely assigning Entwistle to the AHL and making room for a blockbuster. Maybe Dylan Larkin comes in and finally gets his wish to play for a contender - and with guys he knows very well - or maybe perhaps they will take a different route and go after someone who can replace Marchand's level of peskiness.

Toronto has to know a Panthers trade is coming

But either way, the Maple Leafs need to be on high alert.

The Panthers are not going to be messing around and the fact they are already preparing to make big moves should scare the rest of the Atlantic. Toronto especially needs to ensure they have a strong start, and the Panthers losing two key players was going to help.

But if the team doesn't capitalize and the Panthers do end up making a big trade down the line, then it makes it even harder for the Maple Leafs to compete. They were still one of the underdogs of the division, and Florida getting better despite being hurt is not the way to succeed - plus they aren't out long-term.

If Florida manages to pull of a deal and still find a way to have Barkov and Marchand in the lineup, then it really becomes their division to lose. Does it guarantee it No, but it certainly improves their chances more than other factors.

More details to come.

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Maple Leafs get a confirmation from Dylan Larkin amid trade talks