Panthers acquire center Steve Reinprecht from Phoenix

I like that he’s a sold, dependable 2nd-3rd line center. And that he’s a natural center not a transplant from the wings.

This frees up Nathan Horton to be, well, Nathan Horton. Which is a good thing.

I know (or at least secret hope very strongly – so much that my season tickets depend on it), that this isn’t the end of the wheeling and dealing this offseason. The Panthers need to make a big deal – leverage Bouwmeester’s rights and, if they are going to trade Vokoun, get someone(s) who are going to take this team to the next level – the playoffs, as well as energize the fans.

I continually find it odd that the Panthers always seem to collect a bunch of “spare” parts and hope that somehow these guys and their lunch pails can make a playoff run.

I mean, they seriously have done a good job of drafting unheralded talent, and they have at times made some serious gambles (ie. bringing in Pavel Bure a decade ago, his younger brother, uh, not so much), but when is management going to step up to the plate again and bring in some legitimate first line talent? BTW, Briere (TSPF-the Sugar Plum Fairy) is not the answer to this question. Some of you may laugh, but why not make a run at Hossa (yes, I know, he wants to play for a contender, but that’s not my point) Now I realize that tossing around boatloads of cash does not a contender make (see 2008/09 TB Lightning), but I think there are legitimate deals to be made out there.

I think this is a good return for someone like Stefan Meyer, who just flat out wasn’t going to make the team. He’s a solid player for a decent price. They’re referring to him as a “second-line” center, which makes me think that Sexton and DeBoer are seeing Weiss as the first-line guy this year. And if Weiss, Booth and Frolik have career years, yes, maybe. But I hope they’re not counting on that and are still looking for first-line talent.

I don’t see any negatives here other than it may crowd out guys like Radek Dvorak who should be brought back. I think McLean may be toast, but I’m thinking Kreps may be playing wing on Campbell’s line (Kreps-Campbell-Dvorak?).

In the end…that is exactly what this was: something for nothing. Meyer had no shot next year, and it can’t hurt to have another experienced center. Basically, Kreps just lost his job.