But i think RainingRats hit the Point, with the Result of the current Season. He might think he will be NHL ready and need a secure spot to start.
When the GM of this Team says in a TV interview, he already things about add an other Prospect on the Team before the Season is ending. How high could be the chance you get a Spot on the NHL Roster.
He might has a Point there. On the other Side of the Medal, if these Tweet says the truth, he official says he don´t want to earn this Spot. He says im so good, present me the Spot.
And then don´t await he get traded to a bad Team, no GM will destroy a Career, cause a Player says he dont wanna sign. They might search for the best option, for him and Teams interested in him.
More Questable could be the return for him. Panthers not really into Picks we still have picks and a few Prospect. I expect more that the Panthers go after a Player or Prospect, in a possible return.
But this is all a Guessing, without official mention and i think the Organisation, have no reason for it while we in the PO race.