NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Keith Ballard, D (Acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Nick Boynton, D (Acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Rory Fitzpatrick, D (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Philadelphia Flyers)
Bryan McCabe, D (Acquired in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Cory Stillman, LW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Ottawa Senators)
NOTABLE LOSSES
Jassen Cullimore, D (Unsigned Free Agent)
Magnus Johansson, D (Signed with Atlant Mytischy of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Olli Jokinen, C (Traded to the Phoenix Coyotes)
Branislav Mezei, D (Signed with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Steve Montador, D (Signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Ducks)
Garth Murray, LW (Signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes)
Jozef Stumpel, LW (Buyout, later signed with Barys Astana of the Kontinental Hockey League)
Mike Van Ryn, D (Traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs)
2007-08 Season Finish: 3rd Southeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference, 85 Pts.
2007-08 Playoffs: Did Not Make Playoffs
2008-09 Prediction: 4th Southeast Division, 11th Eastern Conference
The Florida Panthers will be looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2000 next season, but it’s likely though aspirations may have to wait a year or two as the team continues to rebuild. The loss of Olli Jokinen is a he blow to the Panthers’ offense, but the team still has plenty of other players who provide some jump to the forward lines. After trading Jokinen, the Panthers immediately signed free agent forward Cory Stillman from Ottawa. Stillman brings lots of offensive skill and depth to the team. Young forward Nathan Horton, coming off of consecutive 62 point seasons, is a rising force on the Panthers’ offense. His offensive skills and toughness will be valuable to the team in the coming years. Rostislav Olesz is another offensively talented forward who will bring plenty of skill to Florida’s forward ranks for years to come. Brett McLean, Radek Dvorak, and Ville Peltonen bring lots of needed veteran depth to the Panthers’ young offense, and all three could likely play on the 2nd line this season. Richard Zednik will look to make his return to the ice next season after suffering a series slash to the throat by an ice skate during a game with the Buffalo Sabres. Zednik offensive skill and veteran depth will be valuable to the rebuilding Panthers. Stephen Weiss and David Booth bring plenty of offensive depth to the Panthers and will look to improve their numbers next season. Wade Belak and Gregory Campbell give Florida a lot of grit and toughness to their checking lines, while Kamil Kreps brings offensive talent and depth. The Panthers have plenty of talented, young prospects who will look to make the team at training camp. Michael Frolik, Drew Larman, Shawn Matthias, Michal Repik, and Anthony Stewart will all look to secure roster spots with their rising, offensive potential. While Florida has plenty of good, rising talent on offense, the team lacks veteran depth at center and could use another numbers-producing winger. Additions of these types could significantly increase the Panthers’ chances of making the playoffs in 2008-09.
The Panthers’ defense improved greatly over the summer and now boasts a wealth of talented players. Acquired in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bryan McCabe brings a combination of offense, veteran depth, and toughness to the Panthers’ defense. Jay Bouwmeester also provides the Panthers’ defense with lots of offense and toughness, though the 2008-09 season could be his last with the team, as he is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2009 and appears to be growing restless with the team’s slow rebuilding. Keith Ballard, acquired in a trade with Phoenix, and Cory Murphy give Florida’s defense plenty of offense and speed. Bryan Allen, Nick Boynton, and Karlis Skrastins all bring veteran depth and toughness to the Panthers blueline. Prospects Keaton Ellerby and Peter Aston will look to make the team at training camp on their fine defensive play and toughness.
Tomas Vokoun and Craig Anderson return as the Panther’s goaltending tandem to start the 2008-09 season. Vokoun played decent behind a relatively inexperienced defensive unit last season and will likely see his play improve with a more experienced blueline this season. Anderson enjoyed a fine season as backup to Vokoun, one of his finest in his NHL career. He could easily step into the starter’s role if Vokoun were to be sidelined with a lengthy injury. Propsects David Shantz and Tyler Plante will look to show off their improving skills at training camp, but will likely spend next season honing those skills in the minors.
STRENGTHS
- Plenty of skilled prospects on offense.
- Good blend of offense and toughness on their defense.
- Good goaltending depth.
WEAKNESSES
- Need more veteran experience on offense.
- Team has been in rebuild mode for too many years.
No comments:
Post a Comment