We are looking forward to buckling down and moving forward to focus on being the best team we can be and going as far as we can go.’

By STEPHEN WHYNO The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers continue to be active in the leadup to the NHL trade deadline. The Panthers acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek on Wednesday from

The Colorado Avalanche made a big splash on the eve of the NHL trade deadline by getting center Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers continue to be active in the leadup to the NHL trade deadline. The Panthers acquired goaltender Vitek Vanecek on Wednesday from the San Jose Sharks for 25-year-old forward Patrick Giles, the teams announced.

The Tampa Bay Lightning answered the cross-state-rival and defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers’ first couple of additions ahead of the NHL trade deadline with a big move of their own. The

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, who was hurt during the 4 Nations Face-Off, has gone on long-term injured reserve.

Then, four nights after the Jones deal, the Panthers made a trade with the San Jose Sharks for goaltender Vitek Vanecek in exchange for forward Patrick Giles. By Thursday morning, Vanecek was on the ice with the Panthers in South Florida and Driedger was heading back to Charlotte.