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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 21:09:17 GMT -5
You definitely made some huge moves setting yourself up for the future, especially on D! It will be interesting to see which direction you go with the #4 pick though. Assuming 1-3 stays the same, 4-10 in the NHL draft was all defensemen. Do you take another D or do you jump the board 7 picks?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2012 16:41:21 GMT -5
I actually forgot i had Jerome Iginla as part of my supporting cas as well...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 19:57:14 GMT -5
Miami, FL - After a fury of action over the past week, Panthers GM Kevin Singh had called a press conference to address the most recent changes with the franchise.
The Panthers dealing Captain and fan favorite Jonathon Toews along with winger Ales Hemsky and promising prospect Ty Rattie for a pletora of youth and promise in Jake Gardiner, Cody Hodgson, Karl Alzner, and two first round picks.
"We really thought that after our off season last year, bringing in Burrows, Kunitz, Lupul, Hemsky and Backstrom, that we had surrounded Toews with a good supporting cast to really make a run for the division. Needless to say we were shocked when we didnt even compete for a playoff spot. It goes to show, that these games arent played on paper".
As the Panthers watched last season slide, GM Kevin Singh admitted that he had to take a very honest look at the Panthers roster:
"We were building around Toews and Letang and Jack Johnson... we knew when we were out that our roster was too thin... we had to retool and restructure how we built our team if we wanted to eventually contend."
Before the season had ended, Singh had unloaded the likes of Kunitz, Burrows, Lupul and Jack Johnson to begin the restructuring of the franchise. But the end of an era was marked when Toews was dealt earlier this week to the Winnipeg Jets.
"We knew it was frustrating for Jonathon as well.... and he just wasn't performing to his or our expectations. So we decided to maximize his return." The Panthers had only contacted a short list of teams that they targeted for a return. "We contacted only the teams that had what we were looking for..... pros that were entering the league trying to make aname for themselves and ready to break out. We think we've found that with this deal."
Aside from trading their captain, the Panthers were adjusting the way they built their hockey team. "We really wanted to establish a presence on our blue line for now and the future of this franchise. We wanted to really begin to build a defense that would gain some respect in the league and would form as the basis for our team going forward."
Once that was established, Singh turned his attention to shoring up the goaltending. Trading Josh Harding, Josh Bailey and two draft picks to Vancouver for goaltending duo Jaroslav Halak and James Reimer.
"We simply wanted to feel confident in BOTH of our goalies. In the past, we've relied heavily on one goalie and we didnt want to do that any longer. There were a few teams that we had serious discussions with, but we felt this was the best deal to keep a lot of our assets and capitilize on getting two quality goaltenders back AND keeping our young goaltenders in the farm."
The deal allows for Coach Doug Gilmour to use Jaroslav Halak as the starter and young James Reimer (who has been trying to get back to his previous form) as a backup.
"We feel this deal allows us to have Reimer as a backup now...and if he proves this season to gain his magic back, then we will have two pretty good tenders. Everyone needs to remember that he's just 23 and he'll be okay...its just a question of how long we'll have to wait."
When asked what was next for the Panthers franchise.. Singh responded in saying "Well we're satisfied where we are with our goaltending situation...we feel we could a veteran defenseman...but our focus is going to be on establishing our top 6 forwards. We have some assets to play with and we have over 30 Million dollars to satisfy our needs. We dont want to waste a year rebuilding, we want to be competitive right away. So that's going to be our focus...getting guys that can help put the puck in the net now. But we have a good foundationn now. A solid foundation."
When asked about recent rumours on dealing Kris Letang, Singh responded "We aren't shopping Kris Letang..... and we have no reason to. He right now is our anchor on defense. He's young, he's only getting better and we expect him to have a great season. We would have to be blown away to consider trading him".
So as the Panthers re-establish the face of their franchise, they'll look to bolster their offense through trade and free agency. They'll also start paying a lot more attention to the draft, as they currently hold the number 4 pick.
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Post by Hawks on Aug 23, 2012 20:39:22 GMT -5
Been awhile since someone did a new story Always fun to read.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 21:09:17 GMT -5
You definitely made some huge moves setting yourself up for the future, especially on D! It will be interesting to see which direction you go with the #4 pick though. Assuming 1-3 stays the same, 4-10 in the NHL draft was all defensemen. Do you take another D or do you jump the board 7 picks?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 21:13:31 GMT -5
Good question Adam...... I think right now, assuming that the first three picks stay the same as in the NHL... with the next 6 picks being a defenseman, i think you have to pick the player with the most potential. These players are all going to take some time to develop, and things are always changing. In my view, its about building assets and developing pros.. it allows you to keep your options open.
Noone that's drafted in that fourth spot is going to come in immediately and make an impact..
Next Question? lol
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Post by Philly on Aug 23, 2012 21:22:38 GMT -5
Some nice moves and a nice read, Kev. Gotta think you'll be lookin to land a Center in the draft.
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Post by Nordiques - Chris on Aug 23, 2012 21:27:56 GMT -5
Enjoyed the read as well, Kev. Some tough decisions to make; like the new direction of the team.
Only draft advice you need: three letters -> BPA (Best Player Available)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 23, 2012 21:32:08 GMT -5
Enjoyed the read as well, Kev. Some tough decisions to make; like the new direction of the team. Only draft advice you need: three letters -> BPA (Best Player Available) Precisely my thinking Chris.... gotta go that way. Some of these players are years away. I find it funny when ppl try to evaluate the draft a week, or even a year after the draft is done. I dont think you can evaluate a draft very fairly until at least 5 years later. Thanks everyone for the support and the kind words. It's time we turn this Panthers franchise for good. We had a few runs...but only temporary runs. We're planning to be in contention for years to come...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 25, 2012 16:41:21 GMT -5
I actually forgot i had Jerome Iginla as part of my supporting cas as well...
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Post by AvsGM on Aug 26, 2012 14:57:05 GMT -5
You definitely made some huge moves setting yourself up for the future, especially on D! It will be interesting to see which direction you go with the #4 pick though. Assuming 1-3 stays the same, 4-10 in the NHL draft was all defensemen. Do you take another D or do you jump the board 7 picks? Or he could just trade the #4 to me and then not even have to worry about it
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