Florida, Righting The Ship?
Most would think that this title is far and away from being true. Honestly, I think it’s quite legit. Yes, Olli Jokinen is not in a Florida Panthers uniform anymore but how great was he in one? Yes he was a vital part of the offense for the Panthers but that was about it. I’m not here to bash Olli, not at all. But he wasn’t the leader fans were hoping for, one thing this franchise is deeply deprived of. After the Zednik incident which made him go dormant in the games that mattered most to make the playoffs and a terrible World Championships, the clock was ticking for when Olli Jokinen would be moved. Keith Ballard, not bad honestly, I like him a good bit, great open ice hitter, good speed, above average puck handling skills and passing, a legit number three defense man maybe even number two. Our defense was a huge problem last season, and this move solidifies it. The Panthers got a lot tougher with Nick Boynton, ok, I’m not so happy about that part of the deal but the Panthers were deprived of character guys and leadership, and now that I think of it, this move made a lot of sense.
Cory Stillman, signed July 1st, was not a bad signing at all, in fact it replenishes about 70 points of Olli Jokinen’s annual 80 or 85. Now full time General Manager Jacques Martin is taking a risk, it’s pretty much written in stone that unless Martin brings in a forward via trade, Shawn Matthias, the Panthers perhaps most valued prospect will make the team out of training camp and center Stillman. I’m not quite sure about this, but in four games last season Matthias scored 2 goals. Not bad at all. Can he do it for 82 games a season against top pairing defense men? Tough call, very tough call.
Peter DeBoer, very solid move on Martin’s part, bring in a coach that can get to these young players, I have a good feeling that he can get the best out of a lazy Nathan Horton, and bring perhaps once highly touted Anthony Stewart, to actually play the game. The Panthers offense would be a lot better if DeBoer got 40 goals out of Nathan Horton who has previously scored over 30. Anthony Stewart also would be tremendous if he put his mind to it. We will see what DeBoer can do there.
Jay Bouwmeester, flat out needs to be signed, bottom line. He needs to be signed, if he’s not, it will be a devastating set back. The only way that can be deemed not devastating is if he is traded for a monstrous return. Bottom line is, trading him shouldn’t be an option unless Bouwmeester has commented to Martin that he would indeed like a trade. Give the man the money he wants, he more than deserves it, through his six years of being a Panther, he has been a complete professional and has done his job each and every night. Kudos to him, if he wants out, grant his wish, I won’t like him any less. Just get a good return for him!
Author Bio
Well first, I was born and raised in Naples, Florida. I've always loved the Panthers, especially after the magical 96' cup run. Since then, I've devoted a big portion of my life to hockey and the Panthers.
I've never been a fan of another sport, other sports just do not seem appealing to me. Funny huh? Hockey fans in Florida?!
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