Florida Panthers RFAs - Part 2 of 2: Who will stay and who will go?
by Ryan Meier on Apr 23, 2011 5:39 PM EDT
in Florida Panthers News & Analysis
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PrintWelcome back folks! Last time we discussed the RFAs on the Panther's 2010-2011 primary regular season roster. This time around, we're going to look at the RFAs in the Panthers' system, including NCAA players, AHL players and others whose RFA status kicks in during the coming free agency period.
Read on!
| Kenndal McArdle | Position: Left Wing | 2010 Cap Hit: $803,250 |
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Under coach Peter DeBoer, McArdle had a lot of issues cracking the Panthers lineup on a consistent basis. McArdle saw a fair amount of NHL games in a Panthers sweater thanks to consistent injuries in the Panthers regular lineup. He never really lived up to his scoring potential coming out of juniors, but evolved well into a hard-working checking forward who was looking to stick around in the NHL until an untimely shoulder injury. There is a small chance Tallon will re-sign McArdle as he fits the big, fast, hard-working forward mentality of Tallon's "blueprint", but only if the price is right. Likelihood to be re-signed: Medium |
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| Tim Kennedy | Position: Right Wing | 2010 Cap Hit: $550,000 |
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Due to some crazy waiver shenanigans, Kennedy didn't see much time for the Panthers last season. After posting solid numbers in Buffalo during his rookie season in 2009, Kennedy spent time in the Rangers system last season before being acquired as a part of the Bryan McCabe trade. A smart, shifty player, he has a fair amount of offensive potential and depending on the system, he could be a great fit for Florida next season. Kennedy will likely be brought back and if he isn't able to make the team out of camp, he will be a very solid AHL call-up for the Cats if injuries strike. Likelihood to be re-signed: High |
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| Mike Duco | Position: Left Wing | 2010 Cap Hit: $550,000 |
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DeBoer was familiar with Duco from their time together in Kitchener, and saw some time as a Panther over the last couple of seasons, but wasn't able to lock down a roster spot permanently. Duco is a smaller forward but plays a very big game, as he doesn't shy away from the physical aspect of the game. He shares some traits with infamous pest Sean Avery in that he is a high-energy player who works hard and gets underneath other player's skin. Will he fit into the Panthers scheme long-term? Maybe. Will he continue to be a valuable depth player in the AHL? Definitely. Expect to see him re-signed. Likelihood to be re-signed: High |
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| Brady Calla | Position: Right Wing | 2010 Cap Hit: $603,333 |
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Calla is a third round draft pick of the Panthers back in 2006, and has yet to see an NHL game. Calla has been a solid character player in the minors, but is not likely to see the NHL on a permanent basis, as his skill set has yet to translate to the NHL game. Don't expect to see him re-signed. Likelihood to be re-signed: Low |
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| Jordan Knackstedt | Position: Right Wing | 2010 Cap Hit: $572,500 |
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With the amount of depth being developed in the Panthers system, Knackstedt is going to have a tough time establishing himself as an option for the Panthers next season. However, he is a solid depth player in the minors for Florida, and Tallon and Santos are looking to keep their future AHL affiliate stocked and competitive. Likelihood to be re-signed: Medium |
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| Carl Hudson | Position: Defense | 2010 Cap Hit: $535,000 |
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Hudson was signed during last season's free agency period as yet another defensive depth signing for the Amerks. Hudson is a tough-as-nails defenseman who isn't afraid to scrap and has established himself as a solid teammate. With all of the solid draft picks from last season's draft possibly making the roster on the next AHL affiliate for the Panthers, there may not be much room for Hudson. Likelihood to be re-signed: Low |
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| T.J. Fast | Position: Defense | 2010 Cap Hit: $668,333 |
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A former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings, Fast was drafted in 2005 and has yet to play an NHL game. Again, with all of the incoming defensive depth from recent and upcoming drafts, don't expect to see TJ re-signed. Likelihood to be re-signed: Low |
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| Michael Caruso | Position: Defense | 2010 Cap Hit: $587,500 |
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A solid performer for the Amerks the last several seasons, Caruso will see a chance to perform in the Panthers rookie camp again this summer if he is re-signed. If he is unable to make the roster, expect to see him stick around in the AHL again with the Panthers next affiliate. Likelihood to be re-signed: Medium |
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| James DeLory | Position: Defense | 2010 Cap Hit: $556,667 |
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A huge physical presence, DeLory is likely to stay in the AHL. He has yet to show any progress towards being able to play the NHL game. Don't expect to see him re-signed. Likelihood to be re-signed: Low |
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| Tyler Plante | Position: Goalie | 2010 Cap Hit: $687,500 |
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Tallon has a real tough choice in regards to Plante. If the Panthers are able to re-sign UFA Tomas Vokoun, Plante may no longer be needed in the Panthers system, despite a pretty solid last two seasons for Rochester. It's likely that if Vokoun is re-signed, Scott Clemmensen and Vokoun will reprise their role as the Panthers starters, top prospect Jakob Markstrom will start in the AHL, and All-American collegiate goaltender Marc Cheverie could be Markstrom's backup. However, you can never have too many solid goalies in your organization, so I would expect to see Plante brought back, or possibly traded before or during the draft for additional picks. Likelihood to be re-signed: Medium |
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| Marc Cheverie | Position: Goalie | 2010 Cap Hit: $956,250 |
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Cheverie has had a very solid college career so far, and saw some time with Rochester last season. He is likely the second-best goaltender in the organization's farm system right now, and it is very likely he will be re-signed and be given a spot on the next AHL team the Panthers are affiliated with. Likelihood to be re-signed: High |
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The only players on this list I think need to be resigned (as legitimate prospects/call-ups as opposed to AHL depth players) are Kennedy Duco Plante and Cheverie.
The unaimed arrow never misses
Trying out this whole Twitter thang...@RhyminChrisR
by Chris S Roberts on Apr 23, 2011 5:45 PM EDT reply actions
Just don’t let him get near a fight.
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by Donny Rivette on Apr 24, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I think McArdle does get resigned with a reasonable price and will continue to be a mostly AHL backup and consistent callup player for one more year. Thing is, with guys like Kennedy, Duco, Timmins, et al, is he really needed for that role anymore? I’m not sure he is. Kennedy’s already got NHL time, as does Duco and Timmins, so I’m not sure it’s necessary to keep him around. If we do, I think this is definitely his last year in the Panthers system.
“DeLory is likely to stay in the AHL”
Hey Ryan, I don’t think DeLory has ever played in the AHL, I remember he was in the ECHL a few years ago but to be honest I have no idea where he’s playing nowadays.
CSU,
I like your list but I’d throw Caruso in there even though this team has a lot of defensive depth. He’s not a flashy player, and won’t contribute much to the scoresheet but in watching a number of Amerks games, he was one of the players I was most impressed with from start to finish. I could see him being a bit of a late bloomer and find himself as an NHL regular in a 5/6 role.
But anyways, once again Ryan good analysis.
by Craig Fischer on Apr 23, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
He tried out for the Amerks I believe, but didn’t make the team. Regardless, I don’t see him ever surpassing the ranks of the AHL.
I don’t think DeLory has ever played a regular season game with the Amerks, only a few pre-season games. I know he’s been at training camp for a few seasons now. Last season I know he fought with another Amerk, Eric Selleck, one morning during camp. I think he split time this year between the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in the CHL.
And I think that Caruso should definitely be thown into the mix! This year he was voted Unsung Hero and Most Improved Player by the Amerks. He’s come a long way over the past three years, and definitely deserves a chance with the Panthers!
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