The Florida Panthers have signed winger Nikita Gusev to a one-year contract worth $1 million.

Gusev recently had his contract bought out by the Devils, as for whatever reason he didn't seem to fit into their plans. Although he scored 44 points in 66 games in his first season with the Devils, Gusev recorded just five points in 20 games this season and was often a healthy scratch.

The Panthers obviously see the talent with Gusev, so he receives an instant bump in value just based on the fact that he shouldn't be healthy scratched so often. At this point, don't assume that Gusev will immediately assume top-line duties because the Panthers forward lines have been fairly fluid this season. However, the Aaron Ekblad injury means that the Panthers have been using a 4 F – 1 D PP1 arrangement recently, and is possible that Gusev lines up as the fourth forward along with PP1 fixtures Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Patric Hornqvist. Gusev finished second on the Devils with 15 power-play points last season, so the first-unit power-play is a definite possibility.

At this point deeper leagues could consider him as a speculative add with no guarantees of anything. Don't be surprised if he's one of the most added waiver-wire players within the next couple weeks if he can make an impact early with his new team. Gusev will need to clear quarantine before joining the Panthers, so no word on when he will play his first game.

Last season Gusev had 36 points in the last 46 games, the bulk of which were under Alain Nestreddine. He wasn’t very effective under John Hynes, nor under Lindy Ruff. So a lot will ride on the way Joel Quenneville uses him.

Players this helps, in order:

Gusev

Players this hurts, in order:

Carter Verhaeghe

Alex Wennberg

Frank Vatrano

Anthony Duclair (when he returns)