Roblogg’s Panthers Portal

Defensman Jordan Leopold has signed a 1-year deal with the Florida Panthers. The Cats acquired the rights to the former Calgary and Colorado blueliner in the Jay Bouwmeester trade – at the NHL entry draft in Montreal last week. His deal is a one year contract worth $1.75 million.

Inter-rim GM Randy Sexton held Leopold in high regards and hoped that Jordan’s friend Keith Ballard could help the deal along. However, no deal was struck before free agency opened up yesterday and Sexton was quoted as saying the possibility of signing of the Minnesota native was “remote”. Since then an accord has still been struck and Jordan will be a quality addition to a Panthers blueline that is in re-building mode. The loss of Bouwmeester leaves a huge defensive gap and the franchise will be hoping that this signing goes some way in helping rectify the potential leaks.

In addition to Leopold, the Cats also signed D Clay Wilson on a 2-year deal. He played in the AHL last season and got only a couple of games with the Atlanta Thrashers. It remains to be seen if Wilson is seen more as a cog in the faltering Rochester affiliate’s wheel, or if he’ll be given a genuine chance to break in to the NHL.

Sexton has also intimated that he is hopeful a deal can still be sruck with stay-home defenseman Karlis Skrastins. Karlis had a stellar season this previous campaign when partnering Jay on the top pair. He also became a firm fan’s favorite with his shot-blocking, whole-hearted, displays in front of net. Question is if the signing of Leopold spells the end of Skrastins stay in South Florida or if there is still room for him on the D. Same question goes to veteran D Jassen Cullimore whose contract expired yesterday too.

Update: Karlis Skratins has signed a 2-year deal with the Dallas Stars worth $2.75 million!

I guess that firmly answers one of the questions posed above….

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