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Florida in Tanguay Sweepstakes; Stewart and Welch joins Atlanta

July 13th, 2009 2 comments

The Florida Panthers are one of 5-6 teams involved in talks with F Alex Tanguay‘s agent according to several sources. It has become apparent that the Cats have an interest in the former Montreal winger and his potential signing could go some way in appeasing fans that so far have been discouraged by the lack of substantial action from the franchise on the free agent market.

It is no secret that the Panthers need offensive reinforcements and Tanguay could become a great addition to the team and take some weight off the shoulders of young wingers such as Horton, Frolik, Olesz and Booth to produce the offensive goods. Alex is an experienced NHL player that has produced very high numbers in the past, and if injury free, there is no reason to believe he couldn’t do it again.

Last season Tanguay played 50 games for the Habs, scoring 16 goals and assisting on 25 other. His cap hit for last season was $5.25 million, but it is expected that he will be forced to take a substantial pay cut this coming season. However, considering he is one of the best names still left on the market and has plenty of suitors – he should still be in a position to get a good deal.

In addition to the Florida Panthers, it is rumored that the Phoenix Coyotes, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders are all interested and have contacted Tanguay’s agent, Bob Sauve.

It is expected however, that Alex will take his time before making up his mind, so don’t expect any immediate movement on this front. It also remains uncertain how much muscle the Florida Panthers really have to flex cash-wise, considering the questions of its ownership and possible take-over.

 

Two players that played for the Cats last season: RW Anthony Stewart and D Noah Welch have moved out of Florida state line and joined the Atlanta Thrashers. Neither player was able to make an impression during the previous campaign, but will hope to get a fresh start in Atlanta instead.

Both players have potential, but question is if they can yet transform that into proven skill and do what it takes on a consistent basis as well. Either way, we wish them the best and hope they can get their careers onto the NHL track. Both are terrific personalities that will be missed in Florida.

Categories: Florida Panthers Team or Player Info, News & Speculation, NHL Trades & Rumors Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Florida the Day after the Trade Deadline

March 5th, 2009 Comments off

A lot of questions were up in the air for the Panthers and its fans, going in to yesterday’s trade deadline. Would Bouwmeester go? What would happen to Boynton after his breach of discipline? Did Keaton Ellerby’s call-up have any greater implications – than being an extra back-up? Would Florida be able to acquire a first line centerman or a top six forward to bolster the offense?

As things turned out, and as I predicted, all was quiet on the deadline front. Well, not completely quiet, because the Cats did make a deal with the Bolts for D Steve Eminger; whilst giving up Noah Welch and a 3rd Round Pick. It was also rumored, and almost seen as a done deal, that Ottawa forward Chris Neil had been acquired by the Panthers. However, no conformation ever came and later it was made known that Chris was staying in Ottawa.

On the home front, Ellerby was promptly sent packing, back to Rochester in the AHL, without getting a game under his belt. Coach Pete DeBoer had a ‘clearing the air’ conversation with D Nick Boynton and the disciplinary issues are now resolved. Rostislav Olesz is set to start training with the team again after his surgery and could be ready to play again in a couple of weeks.

The big news on trade deadline day was however, the no-movement of Jay Bouwmeester. General Manager Jacques Martin had made it clear he would only be moved if the Panthers received something substantial in return to help the team in the playoff race; and clearly that never materialized. There were some heart-in-mouth moments when it looked like Jay might be traded to either Vancouver or Philadelphia, but reports have it they baulked at what the Cats were asking for in return (for what essentially is a rental player).

 

The biggest fish in the transfer deadline pond was Jay Bouwmeester. He will now stay in South Florida, at least until the summer, and try to get the Panthers over the playoff hump.

The biggest fish in the transfer deadline pond was Jay Bouwmeester. He will now stay in South Florida, at least until the summer, and try to get the Panthers over the playoff hump.

 

So with Bo staying, Boynton back in the fold, and Ellerby sent packing; the surprise move of the day was undoubtedly that the Cats put their fangs in the Tampa Bay Lightning defender Steve Eminger – whilst giving up both D Noah Welch and a high draft pick (3rd Rnd). It sure makes you wonder where exactly Eminger is expected to fit in to the Panthers’ already very solid back six??

Maybe Jassen Cullimore will see less ice time come this spring? Or a policy of rotation among the second and third line of defense will come in to fruition? It will nonetheless be interesting to see what plans Coach DeBoer has for Eminger once he settles in to the team.

Undoubtedly it is great to have depth in the roster when entering the playoff stretch, and Eminger is a more established defender than Welch (who, on a different note, I always thought did a good job when called upon). Head Coach Peter DeBoer also coached Steve in Kitchener in the OHL and knows him well from there.

It resounds as a move of insurance; getting a good seventh D for the playoff race, potential playoffs, and also someone that can step in next year if Bo – and any of the other pending UFA’s on the D leave for pastures new – come summertime. He’s a potential top 4 defender that can eat up crucial ice time and go forward with good puck moving abilities; and those kinds of players sure don’t grow on trees!

This season Steve was a team leading 25 point defenseman in Tampa and has had a bit of a break-out season on the West coast after some slightly unsatisfactory years in the NHL (he was drafted 12th overall in the 2002 draft by Washington). He could also, potentially, aid the Cats faltering power-play; as he brings speed and a right shot in to the equation, perhaps stepping in for Boynton?

Looks overall as a good deal for the Panthers! We address both current issues and future considerations with this trade. The big news however, was that Jay Bouwmeester will stay with the team and hopefully help us finally get over the hump and in to the playoffs.

GM Jacques Martin also said he still retains the hope of convincing Bo to stay at the end of the season. That may very well be a pipe-dream, but overall I think this was good news for the club going forward. The teams positive chemistry remains intact and we get some depth in defense. It’s just a shame we couldn’t get our hands on a top centerman as well…

Categories: Florida Panthers Team or Player Info, News & Speculation Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,