The Florida Panthers are all in indeed.
In the most expensive deal so far in the lead-up to the NHL's trade deadline, the Panthers have acquired defenseman Ben Chiarot in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2023, a fourth-round selection in 2022, and forward prospect Ty Smilanic.
Montreal will retain half Chiarot's salary to maximize the Panthers' financial flexibility after general manager Bill Zito cleared out just over $2.5 million in contract dollars by trading Frank Vatrano to the New York Rangers earlier on Wednesday.
Chiarot is a polarizing figure in the hockey community.