Florida Panthers / 2010 NHL UFA Day - Open Thread of Calamity
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:25 PM EDT
333 comments
Welcome to the second annual edition of Free Agent Frenzy at The Box. The term "what a difference a year makes" is not only boring and cliche, but rather true in our case: twelve months ago, Randy Sexton - who remains our very serious candidate for "Den of Honor" inclusion after keeping the club afloat through one of its darkest periods - was retained as assistant GM (behind no one) when Jacques Martin left for bleu, blanc, et rouge pastures, Ville Koistinen was the big signee, and the Panthers were For Sale, the "kiss of death" for any UFA period.
And now? No longer for sale, the Florida organization - as a whole - has a completely foreign outlook on the future: "It's an entirely different place to work" since Dale Tallon assumed command, The Box was told by an associate of the club on Thursday. "It's like we have a chance to win, for real this time; big breath of fresh air. Dale's a regular guy."
I'm a "regular guy" too, minus my need for this every six weeks or so. Whatever; still younger than Brind'Amour.
So off we go into the whirlpool that is the start of free agency in the National Hockey League. Post time is 12pm, EST. We'll be here all day, so keep checking in for updates. Feel free to send a pizza.
No idea what's on tap, so follow along, comment on the ridiculous rumors, make some up, and enjoy a suddenly meaningful Thursday.
BREAKING: Nashville's Mike Santos named new Florida Assistant GM, per GR/The Herald. More to follow...
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Andrew Ladd
LeBrun via Twitter (last night):
Piling on to my colleagues’ Andrew Ladd tweets: am told Florida, Atlanta, Vancouver and Calgary among teams interestd in him
Elliotte Friedman on Gudbranson:
Florida’s Erik Gudbranson is described as “18 going on 35.” Not surprised then that Dale Tallon drafted him. Does that remind you of anyone else Tallon’s selected? Like, maybe the guy who lifted the Stanley Cup this year?
Chelios
From Andy Strickland; this one’s just bizarre:
Speaking of the KHL, I’m told longtime NHL blueliner Chris Chelios would consider taking his game to Russia if the money was right.
Volchenkov to Florida!
Come on!!!!
Mariners and Senators fan in Miami, covering the team in Ottawa at Silver Seven
Doubtful, given his (rumored) term/$ desire.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Very scary, but they still need some physical players. I bet that they will offer a $ to Volchenkov and Hamhus. I apologize for any spelling errors, Im multitasking. Caps could use some enforcers like Boogard or Voros too.
re: Spelling....
same here. Get used to it!
Think Brashear would have helped them in the playoffs?
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
No Love for Paul Martin?
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 1, 2010 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Tons o’ love. Benn touting his name for a week. Just don’t know where to put him. With Ballard gone, Allen’s the next to go, but he may be “damaged goods”.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
You mean for the Caps? Makes a lot more sense.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Reply Fail?
In Lou We Trust: Now More productive than a New Jersey Devils Powerplay
"Pfft, Wii’s where it’s at. *Swings toy plastic racquet, separates shoulder"- RudyKelly
by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 1, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Think Lou’s gonna pull that rabbit out of his hat? Be a shame to see Martin leave.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
What happened to Sexton? Is he still with the team, I think his contract was up yesterday? Anyone know?
Still there as of yesterday, though hadn’t been seen around the office since the draft, I’m told.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Let’s hope that they have an additional person keeping an eye on the contracts and the salary today…
Although, I still say it was Bowman who did Tallon in with the RFA’s last season with the blackhawks.
There’s a story-within-a-story with that debacle.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Sexton’s a renowned “cap” guy; no problem here if he stays
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Potvin was saying on home ice this morning, he wouldn’t be surprised of a return of Whitney. He also said an emphatic NFW (basically) of Jokinen coming back.
I guess the Jokinen thing is a real possibility, but I have strong doubts; still think it’s just an easy target, conversation-wise, among the media (and us!)
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
There are pros and cons, of course, but I just don’t see a reason to go that route. Heck…a “remarriage” might be best for both parties, but I’m thinking management goes in another direction.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Tallinder
LeBrun via Twitter:
Not surprising but Henrik Tallinder definitely going to market in 30 min, no last-minute deal with Sabres…
Meszaros
From McKenzie via Twitter:
Sounds like Meszaros is going from Tampa to Philly for a second round pick.
Dreger as well:
Meszaros to Flyers sounds like a done deal.
Erlandsson asking if Meszaros trade being done to clear room for Martin…
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Cullen
From Custance via Twitter:
No last minute deals for Matt Cullen and Sens. In a text, says “pretty safe to say” he’s hitting free agency.
Still hasn’t waived NTC to go there yet
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
My phone is going NUTS because I signed for text alerts from the big shots instead of surfing twitter.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Biron
From McKenxie via Twitter:
Marty Biron’s deal with the Rangers is expected to be for two years at just less than $1 million per year.
As a Sabres fan I don’t understand how they didn’t go after him to bring him back. Reliable, cheap and a fan favorite.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Sexton gone
Mike Santos from the preds the new assistant GM of the Panthers
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:06 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Panthers hire new assistant GM
From GR via Twitter:
Mike Santos from #preds new asst GM of #floridapanthers
I think its more of Tallon wanting to have his people, not people who’ve already made mistakes in Florida.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Santos
Russo via Twitter:
Great pick by Tallon. Smart hockey man, was candidate for #mnwild GM job
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Hard to tell since Staal was blocking the view
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
How do they get info..
Do guys like McKenzie and Dreger have teams of people constantly on the phone tracking down info? Do people feed them info? Agents conact them directly maybe?
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:14 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
All of the above. McKenzie’s the absolute best.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
He has to have one of the best jobs in hockey.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He was hurt the playoff season before. He also has been hurt both years in a row. He has missed some regular season games. I think the Pens were smart. They will need at least two players though to fill up GOnchar’s minutes.
With Sexton gone
I would have to say DeBoer’s future in Florida looks drearier than ever. Unless Florida is making a playoff run, don’t expect him to be around this time next year.
DeBoer better hope for a fast start. Tallon had fired Savard after 4 games in Chi.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 12:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Amen. Just like his new team won’t do anything either.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Precisely why I wrote the above statement.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
In fairness, EVERYONE writes about that.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Or
someone going to Toronto and bringing the Maple Leafs a Cup. Who’s going to be the next savior up there? Phil Kessel isn’t working out like planned……
Kessel had nothing to work with. That will change.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Got a freaking NMC on a one-year deal. What’s that about?
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
OOOOPS…meant to say “Pens”, having lost Gonch.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Which D are we most likely to sign?
You know Tallon’s gonna pick up at least one that’s out there. I’m guessing Sutton or Bergeron.
Only issue there is who gets kicked to the curb? No room at the moment.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
McCabe or Allen. I think he’s gonna deal one of them elsewhere for some more forward depth or picks. Or so I hope. I’d like to see Allen dealt but the injury concern means it will be tougher for Tallon to move him.
Agreed on Allen. Too much coin, too little return following the injury.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
And Matty should have a breakthrough year this year. He looked Jordan Staal-like in spurts last year.
I personally would like to see what he could do in big games too. He seemed to rise to the occasion for big games when given the chance.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm a big Matthias fan
Donny can confirm it. I beat the drum so many times at OTB sports about how Florida was mishandling him.
I totally agree that the organization was mishandling him until last year.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
McCabe-Allen-Wideman-Garrison-Kulikov-Gudbranson- Ellerby(?)
On second thought, another guy on D probably wouldn’t hurt.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Only guys with more than one year are Caber/Allen,Wideman
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't forget
One ESPN writer’s comment on when Florida traded Ruslan Salei for Karlis Skrastins- You can’t be serious!
It’d be amazing if 2 years in a row a first round pick makes the defensive roster.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 1:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Donny I finally figured it out
The mid 80’s Hartford Whaler who didn’t too many pucks in net one year except in SH situations. Doug Jarvis. For some reason the info stuck with me, but I couldn’t bring up the name.
So
when the contract runs out, St. Louis will only be 100 39 years old. Players that old aren’t usually a good bet.
He manages to stay healthy and in the top 10-20 in league scoring. It’s a smart (albeit a little risky) move, especially since he can show Brett Connolly the ropes.
Might’ve blown it on the Martin thing…looks it was Michalek…a bit confused
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear “Penguin” and immediately think Francis, Samuelsson, and Jennings.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
What commercials will Panther fans have to endure next season
I’m assuming Happy Pony and Buster have been consigned to commercial hell a garbage can somewhere.
Was thinking about that recently. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Bon Jovi will go on tour. One can dream…
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Purchaser of used pre-atomic submarines.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
That means
there are only 8 teams left in the NHL that he hasn’t played for. Cue the sarcastic laughter….
glad to hear Auld will be the next goalie to outplay jesus price
by HockeyAndLoathing on Jul 1, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
How many people remember
Florida was the team that drafted Auld? We traded him to Vancouver and then got him back.
Was he a part of the Pavel Bure trade? I can’t remember…but I do remember we drafted him in the 2nd round.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Ahh figured out what deal he was…completely forgettable deal.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I think they’re going with Greiss as the starter and wanted a backup that could play starter for the rest of the season if he didn’t work out. Nittymaki fits that bill perfectly. And should be cheap enough that if they need to pick up a rental at the deadline they can.
Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.
Greiss
I was forgetting him. Nabokov had been in SJ so long, you think he was the only goalie they had.
Yeah, that’s why they let Nabby go. Nittymaki’s just insurance.
Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.
Yeah, but Kimmo and Pronger can still bring it as long as their coach actually plays the third pairing in games so they don’t have to play 30 minutes a game all playoffs. Good call for Philly bringing on Meszaros and O’Donnell to replace Parent & Krajicek. O’Donnell should be able to handle third pair minutes still and Laviolette will actually play those two so that the top pair isn’t out of gas by game 5 of the Finals.
Of course, they re-signed Leighton, so we’ll see how the season goes.
Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.
The Leighton deal was a shocker in everyway except dollar-wise.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s really turned in a nice career. Been around a long time.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Good for the Yotes. Too bad that Michalek and the Yotes couldn’t get a deal done.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Modano
per LeBrun:
Mike Modano via text message says he’s not close to signing anywhere at this hour
Already been reported elsewhere in the last hour
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s going to be the interesting aspect here: what they do to bolster it.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone said earlier that Pens were “out”, so whatever
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Not that much out there that is worth overpaying for…
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Plenty of time…got the entire summer. Like DT said yesterday: “We want to take our time and not make any mistakes”.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m shocked that he got less money than nittymaki
by HockeyAndLoathing on Jul 1, 2010 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
5 years, 5M per. Too rich for our blood.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s too bad the entire operation is sullied by one guy. They have some good writers/contacts onboard.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t get too weirded out, but a recent Tweet from TFP mentioned the words “Olesz” and “trade” in the same sentence:
Trade talks still circling… Savard, Ribeiro, Kostitsyn, Souray, Thomas, Olesz, all out there
It just can’t be…
Then again, Boogaard gets a four-year deal? Anything’s possible.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Good, let him roll the dice on Olesz.
by helmut on Jul 1, 2010 2:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Heard our name earlier with about six others
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
or anybody worth a damn?
looks like Tallon is hoping for a lottery pick next years
by HockeyAndLoathing on Jul 1, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Geezus, talk about drama queen. Its 3 freaking hours in to FA and its easily the worst crop of FA in the salary cap era.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
didn’t really say it was a bad thing, kane & toews came the b’hawks that way.
by HockeyAndLoathing on Jul 1, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
There truly isn’t much out there. Changes will have to come via trade.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree with this assessment for the most part, although I would still like to see Lombardi or Stempniak.
Both of those would be nice…Lombardi would be the best one, though.
by panthersfan27 on Jul 1, 2010 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Congrats to the league, I guess. It is their club.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
No one was going higher than 2 years. Personally I’m glad he’s out of the division.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Why not? Red Light Racicot may have time on his hands well
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Jokinen
From “Malkin to the Kings” Garrioch:
Olli Jokinen close to signing with the Flames. Working on a two-year deal.
Talk about a curveball. Sutter in BIG career trouble if this goes through.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Was JUST typing the same thing.
Guess his declaration implies the day is wrapping up.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
At least that’s over with. Now on to the Jokinen Watch.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions
They may be mucking it up, but no way he’s crosses the pond.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Think he’ll take a paycut to stay in the NHL?
Cuz I don’t think anyone is going to pay him what he wants.
Yes, I do. But “pay cut” is a relative term given the reported financial instability of the KHL.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Olli
Darren Dreger reporting Olli Jokinen to CGY is on the verge of being finalized. $3M per year, two years.
Only paying him half of what he previously earned for so very little.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Should have deducted $500k for that shootout performance in the last game of the season that kept the Rangers out of the playoffs.
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 4:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bored
I left for a few hours.. battery ran low and I was bored. lol
by keithwozniak on Jul 1, 2010 4:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Tell me about it. We aren’t the only ones. Lots of clubs standing their ground so far.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Happy for him. Parlayed a good year into a healthy deal.
by Donny Rivette on Jul 1, 2010 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
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Southeast Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Washington
|
82 | 54 | 15 | 13 | 121 |
|
Atlanta
|
82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 83 |
|
Carolina
|
82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 |
|
Tampa Bay
|
82 | 34 | 36 | 12 | 80 |
|
Florida
|
82 | 32 | 37 | 13 | 77 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
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Tue 09/21 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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Boston
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Thu 09/23 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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Sat 09/25 | 7:00 PM EDT |
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Montreal
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Mon 09/27 | 7:30 PM EDT |
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Carolina
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Wed 09/29 | 7:30 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
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Tampa Bay
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Sun 04/11 | L 1 - 3 |
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Sat 04/10 | SO - L 3 - 4 |
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Thu 04/08 | W 3 - 2 |
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Tue 04/06 | L 2 - 5 |
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Sat 04/03 | L 1 - 4 |
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