The Signing: Dave Bolland, C, 28, signs with the Florida Panthers
The Deal: Five years, $27.5 million
The Cap Hit: $5.5 million
Where he fits: Bolland is a bit of a swing man, capable of jumping up into the top-six forward group if need be. His natural habitat, however, is as a crafty third-line pivot. He’ll surely be looked to as a leader in the youthful Panthers dressing room thanks to his Cup-winning time in Chicago.
The Good: Bolland has carved out a reputation as a cagey defensive player who can push toward 20 goals in a healthy season. As mentioned, he brings a wealth of experience from his days as an important member of championship-winning Blackhawks teams. Florida has a pair of big, young centres in Aleksander Barkov and Nick Bjugstad, and Bolland should be able to tutor them while carrying much of the defensive load.
The Bad: Health has been an issue throughout Bolland’s career, as it was during his one and only season with the Leafs. He’s also a player who, thanks to scoring the Cup-winning goal in 2013, likely carries a much higher profile than his abilities would otherwise create. He’s a solid player, to be sure, but might not move the needle as much as some believe.
Grade: C. It’s way too much money for a guy whose skill set is best suited to the third line. But from a pure hockey perspective, having Bolland to play behind Barkov and Bjugstad is a good thing for the Panthers.