Panthers Move Fast to Sign Gritty Forward, Maple Leafs Left Watching

According to the Florida Panthers themselves, the team has come to an agreement with free agent center Luke Kunin to bring him aboard as they try to add more insurance ahead of Matthew Tkachuk's presumed absence.

GM Bill Zito was excited to bring Kunin aboard, and pointed to his locker room leadership as a huge quality and reason for bringing him in:

It crosses yet another name off the list in free agency and it gives the Maple Leafs even less of a chance to bring someone in; and the last thing they needed was their division rivals and two-time Cup winners to add more firepower.

Kunin, 27, had 18 points in 75 games with the Sharks and Blue Jackets last season; he was acquired by Columbus at the trade deadline.

For Toronto, it leaves very little in the way of bringing in a top free agent as it seems their last hope is potentially Jack Roslovic, and beyond that it might need to be a PTO signing that hopefully brings what they need.

It could have been a huge asset to bring in Kunin for the Maple Leafs but they lose out yet again. He would have most likely floated between the third and fourth lines, and he would offer a lot of physicality, versatility and grit.

The fact he is probably signing for fairly cheap is also a negative for the Maple Leafs as they scramble to fill their roster with what little cash they have to spare.

While it is unfortunate that Kunin isn't a potential target anymore, but that doesnt mean Brad Treliving doesnt have options; and someone like an Andreas Athanasiou could offer some secondary scoring on the cheap.

But for now, the Panthers get better, the Maple Leafs miss out, and it feels like Groundhog Day in August.