Best Week Ever: Panthers' '93 Expansion Draft or '11 UFA/Trade performance?

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 4:06 PM EDT in Florida Panthers News & Analysis

With all of the action witnessed on Friday (and a tiny bit Saturday as well) combined with several moves made in the days prior, it's darned near impossible not to rank this summer's opening of the NHL free agency period as one of the most pivotal off-ice events in the history of the Florida Panthers franchise.

Whether one heavily agrees with the signings or finds them questionable at best, few can argue many other events have so radically (re-) shaped the organization, from the many acquisitions to allowing players to walk.

I perused several substantially historic moments throughout Florida's seventeen-season timeline, and beyond two notables (the Pavel Bure seven-player trade with Vancouver and the 1993 Entry Draft; a complete bust after the Rob Niedermayer selection at number one overall), found only the '93 Expansion Draft to be so similarly consequential to the future of the club as the week just gone by. Is one really "better" than the other, or an unfair comparison? Lists of players involved and poll after the jump...

1993 NHL Expansion Draft

Panthers' picks (Anaheim was the other new club involved):

1 - John Vanbiesbrouck, G Canucks

4 - Mark Fitzpatrick, G Jets

5 - Darren Puppa, G Maple Leafs *

7 - Milan Tichy, D Blackhawks

10 - Paul Laus, D Penguins

12 - Joe Cirella, D NY Rangers

13 - Alex Godynyuk, D Flames

15 - Gord Murphy, D Stars

18 - Steve Bancroft, D Jets

20 - Stephane Richer, D Bruins

21 - Gord Hynes, D Flyers

24 - Tom Fitzgerald, F NY Islanders

25 - Jesse Belanger, F Canadiens

27 - Scott Levins, F Jets

30 - Scott Mellanby, F Oilers

32 - Brian Skrudland, F Flames

33 - Mike Hough, F Capitals

35 - Dave Lowry, F Blues

38 - Bill Lindsay, F Nordiques

40 - Andrei Lomakin, F Flyers

41 - Randy Gilhen, F Lightning

43 - Doug Barrault, F Stars

46 - Marc LaBelle, F Senators

48 - Pete Stauber, F Red Wings

* Lost to Tampa Bay in Phase II several days later; full draft rundown here

That's an awful lot of eventual local legends up there, many of which became the core of Florida's 1996 Stanley Cup Final team. This draft - composed primarily of cast-offs, has-beens, and never-will-bes - set the stage for a very successful run and increased community goodwill throughout the 90s, thanks in large part to the leadership of Bill Torrey.

June 24th to July 2nd, 2011

Acquired via Trade:

Brian Campbell, D Blackhawks

Tomas Kopecky, F Blackhawks

Kris Versteeg, F Flyers

Acquired via Free Agency:

Ed Jovanovski, D Coyotes

Jose Theodore, G Wild

Matt Bradley, F Capitals

Marcel Goc, F Predators

Scottie Upshall, F Coyotes

Sean Bergenheim, F Lightning

Tomas Fleischmann, F Avalanche

Relinquished (via trade or free agency)

...and a veritable boatload of other free agents (restricted and otherwise) throughout the system, which could include Sergei Samsonov, Shawn Matthias, and Mike Santorelli.

Of course it's not possible to peer into the future now any easier could have been done in June of 1993, but considering the sheer number of bodies involved in what has been a campaign to rid the organization of its renowned country club/retirement home atmosphere, this was a bold step forward.

So which period will go down as the more "pivotal" when history includes Tallon's efforts over the past week?

Poll

Biggest off-ice period/event in Cats' history:

'93 Expansion Draft

30 votes

'11 Free Agency Week

41 votes

Neither are comparable

43 votes

114 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I’ll strike first. I vote neither because they are both exceptionally different circumstances. Also because we know the outcome of the expansion draft. We don’t know what the outcome of this will be yet.

The Ghost of David Nemirovsky

by panthersfan27 on Jul 5, 2011 4:09 PM EDT reply actions

Absolutely reasonable.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with this. One is the start of the franchise and the other is the biggest change to happen to the club. (Other than it’s creation)

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Jul 5, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

by Alexander Calloway on Jul 5, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

OT; Sorry to hijack the thread

DarrenDreger: Tomas Kaberle agrees to 3 yr, $12.75 deal with Carolina!! Done.

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Jul 5, 2011 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

good deal for CAR.

The Ghost of David Nemirovsky

by panthersfan27 on Jul 5, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

flat out steal by carolina.. thats crazy

by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 5, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

This one hurts.

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by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn’t today last day for RFA’s to sign or go to arbitration? Any rumors on Stamkos deal being done? Makes me wonder which he really wants to stay with the Bolts, whats the magic number before Mr Yzerman says- thanks its been great having you with us, good luck in your career in XXXXX?

Be impeccable with your word, don't take anything personally, don't make assumptions, always do your best...

by RPC on Jul 5, 2011 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes it is.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Reported deal being worked up

5 year 35 million or something around there. Deal is being finished up as we speak… supposedly

by GoCats1996 on Jul 5, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

So much for Tallon’s no comment meaning something.

by Alexander Calloway on Jul 5, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

he was asked about stamkos just after being asked about richards i think that was just his way of pushing those types of questions aside

by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 5, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Something to consider: none of the ‘93 picks – short of Vanbiesbrouck – were anything to get excited about at the time. Completely underwhelming, but that’s what was available.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

And look how that turned out. :)

Steve Diaz
Twitter - @sdiaz6215

by Sdiaz6215 on Jul 5, 2011 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. I only have the vaguest memories of the 1993 season as I was 3 going on 4 but I do remember going to a few games.

The Ghost of David Nemirovsky

by panthersfan27 on Jul 5, 2011 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember listening live to the expansion draft on WQAM and thinking “THIS is our club?”.

The whole was better than its parts, eventually.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t forget, players were added later to the roster to help the Cats finished 9th in their first season.

by Alexander Calloway on Jul 5, 2011 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I do miss Jody Hull.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 6, 2011 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you miss him as a Panther or a Whaler?

by Alexander Calloway on Jul 7, 2011 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Too soon to pass judgement

The 93 list, as you said, was underwhelming to say the least…until we saw the team on the ice working their collective butts off to win games. Our recent acquisitions are well-known players who come in here with some level of expectation, which was not the case in 93. The 2011 season, for the first time in years, will not be one of ‘blind optimism’ but instead carry some legitimate playoff aspirations. That being the case, another season in the cellar will be a huge disappointment, which would not have been the case in 93 since we had all those ‘unknowns’ and it was an expansion year.

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"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino

by David Dwork on Jul 5, 2011 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Rec’d. And good to see your name, David :)

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks D. I heard through the grape vine that we may be seeing each other a bit more often at Cats games this year. Looking forward to that!

Peninsula Is Mightier:Your SB Nation Miami Heat Blog Community

"My parents would always say, `It doesn't matter if it`s a guy picking up the garbage or the President of the United States, treat everybody as you would want to be treated.'"- Dan Marino

by David Dwork on Jul 5, 2011 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Just one of us for the moment, but I’ll work my way down there occasionally. She’s stoked, btw.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

apples and orange juice

I agree with first strike – apples and orange juice. Anyway that’s why they play the games on ice and not paper – we’ll just have to see. Sorry about length of prior post and no paragraphs – just getting used to the board. Great site though. Thanks to you guys for having it for us! Don’t know what I’d do until October without it. Don’t know how I’ll wait to October even with it.

Anyone hear anything more on Santorelli or Sammy? Any guess what will happen with them and if the brass still want them as much as before free agency started?

HCM

by hcm on Jul 5, 2011 5:36 PM EDT reply actions

No worries at all, hcm. Just happy to have you and your input.

Re: Santo/Sammy…nothing yet

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

One would assume Santorelli is certainly going to be retained….and Samsonov, in my opinion, is not coming back.

by Colt1235 on Jul 5, 2011 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I’d think you’re right on that.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Somewhat OT...

The ~~clown~~ genius that is Hawerchuk at Arctic Ice won’t give it up. He’s like a puppy with a new toy.

by OldDave on Jul 5, 2011 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

I’m just glad they have veteran 20 goal scorers lining up at their door fighting for contracts. But watch out! That defensive pairing of Meech and Jones is going to be feared across the league!!!!

The unaimed arrow never misses
I miss you already Olesz. What we had was tight. Still pulling for those 85 goals you were going to score under Dineen. Chicago will appreciate them, I'm sure.
Twitterz Marmotz Boudreauz

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 5, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Props to you, Chris

for going through the grief of signing up to that site to comment there. I’m sure not going to bother. I’ll give the guy some credit: he had an alternative roster of acquisitions to compare with FLA’s pickups. It’s one thing to say “Tallon’s Crazy!” but it’s another to say “…and here’s why.”

They don’t get it. Tallon is not here to make the salary floor, though it is a requirement. He’s here first and foremost to make his team better. If his actions give cap help to another team (trades for Campbell, Versteeg) so be it, but why help if he doesn’t have to? Why should he offer cap relief to his competition, so they can go out and get better? Let ’em twist in the wind!

(a discussion of the Panthers’ finances would go here, but I don’t have the knowlege to do so. Let’s just say I suspect the team isn’t bleeding cash like the rest of the league thinks)

Tallon understands this. The other GMs understand this. Fans? Not so much. They’re just looking to Tallon to relieve their team of that onerous contract so they can go get under another onerous contract.

by jimmyh71 on Jul 5, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

I bet they’re just disappointed because they’re seeing what everyone knew would happen aynways: No free agents want to go to Winnipeg. Especially being as bad of team as they’re shaping up to be. :)

The Florida Panthers have become Chicago's retirement home. This is oddly fitting.

by BadLuckCharm on Jul 5, 2011 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I didnt sign up to the Jets site, I was a member of Behind the Net before it switched over.

by Chris S Roberts on Jul 5, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

That dudes a moron. If it took over paying to bring a more competitive team to Florida, big deal. We have room to grow up to the ceiling if we need to and for once we have balance and grit top to bottom. We are destined to finish better than we have the past 10 years (making into the post season) as long as our goaltending holds up and it should with the way that Clemmenson played in the absense of Broduer and Theodore in his past when he was a starter with Motreal and Colorado. This is the first season in awhile where we will not need to rely on 1 line to carry our scoring and that fact alone should make us a better team. We finally have talent and size. Thank God.

by Ad1zzl3 on Jul 5, 2011 9:05 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If the Panthers aren’t bleeding money, then why are they going to the county and asking money to renovate the arena? How is the arena always top five for tickets sold annually, but at the same time always unable to turn a profit of more than $14 million and share income with the county? Panthers are losing more money than you know, or they’re completely lying about the books. Similar to the Marlins when gettin the new stadium deal.

by MrOmnipotent on Jul 6, 2011 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

To quote a very well known goalie...

“Why you heff to be mad?”

The Florida Panthers have become Chicago's retirement home. This is oddly fitting.

by BadLuckCharm on Jul 5, 2011 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Denis Lemieux?

by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 5, 2011 9:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Wellah, icing appen when da puck…

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 5, 2011 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

im laughing so hard right now.. lol my buddy from toronto i always mention actually looks just like him and he plays that clip all the time lol

by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 5, 2011 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Since I'm a moron and still can't figure out the fan shots..

Apparently Ovechkin is happy to be back in the good ol’ US of A, Toronto.

ovi8 Alex Ovechkin
Hi guys!I’m back in usa!now I’m in toronto canada…
4 Jul

Link to story here.

Also for anyone interested since I know it’s a bit late, I made a post with the actual translation of a Kopecky quote google translate failed us on.

by Rob PKane McMahon on Jul 5, 2011 6:10 PM EDT reply actions

So the one area that I can pick out a strength that ‘93 has over ’11 is in Goaltending. John Vanbeisbrouk and Mark Fitzpatrick were a much stronger netminding tandem than Theodore or Clemmenson appear to be. Other than that, we are in a significantly better place now than where we were in ’93 because we have more talented scorers, potentially 6 20+ goal scorers, to slightly better defense. we have young talent that is just starting to come into its prime, salty veterens who will lead in a positive way, and grinders who will step up and defend a teammate who is cold clocked(see David Booth). In ’93 we finished just one point short of the playoffs. There is no reason to believe that we don’t finish in the mid (4) to lower end (8)of the playoff race. I will be in 411 when we celebrate our first playoff run in 11 years.

by Ad1zzl3 on Jul 5, 2011 10:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

In all actuality, you can’t compare the rosters on a player by player basis, because the styles of play in the NHL were different, and the rules were different.

by MrOmnipotent on Jul 6, 2011 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

1993 was a very exciting time. The names were mostly unknowns, but the result was amazing considering. Hard work and outstanding goal tending went far in the years afterward, plus the team chemistry was amazing. I remember going to Gold Coast where they practiced and talking with many of the team members throughout the years they were there. These guys really clicked when it came to playing the system that was laid out for them.

My greatest hope is that the team chemistry here is similar, if these guys click the league needs to watch out. With 6 20+ goal scorers and a few potentials to break out of the 20-30 range, a good defense and good goaltending we can go far. This can also be a good basis for the kids to grow up in, a team with great chemistry can instill those ethics that make great players.

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by coasterg on Jul 5, 2011 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

1993 for the goalies

2011 has to get the edge for forwards at least on potential. This past weekend will likely go down as the best thing to happen to the franchise since the ‘96 Cup run. I can’t wait for the season to start already. Looking forward to that first Jet visit on 10/31.

by Todd Little on Jul 6, 2011 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

Dying to see the unis.

Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jul 6, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions

me too. been scouring the net for any leaks or info. So far two people claim to have seen the logo and give it a big thumbs up but that’s all I’ve been able to find out. Also hearing rumors the colors are going to black, blue, silver and white.

by Todd Little on Jul 6, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

Haven’t heard anything from inside the organization. Sometimes we get info from the panthers foundation but nothing on the logo change.I hope they don’t change the colors to match Tampa that would suck. But if they do change the uniforms I hope it looks like the alternate logo from NHL ’11.

by Ad1zzl3 on Jul 6, 2011 4:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

sounds like lightning colors but the shade of blue could be completely different. maybe a light blue will be used. we’ll see, it’s all hearsay right now anyways.

by Todd Little on Jul 7, 2011 8:53 AM EDT reply actions