Litter Box Cats - All Posts

Florida Panthers trade prospect Corban Knight to Calgary Flames for 2013 fourth-round pick

2013-06-18T18:55:57Z

The Florida Panthers have traded prospect Corban Knight to the Calgary Flames for a fourth-round pick (97th overall) in the upcoming 2013 Entry Draft. Knight was originally drafted by the Cats in the fifth-round (135th overall) back in 2009.

Knight and the Panthers were unable to come to terms and instead of letting him become a free-agent, the Panthers were able to acquire a pick for his negotiating rights. The Flames should be a good fit for Knight as center is a position of need. Knight would have been facing much more competition at the spot had he signed with the Cats and was likely looking at starting his pro-career in San Antonio.

The North Dakota pivot had an outstanding senior season that saw him notch 49 points (16G/33A) in 41 games. It was is third-straight season scoring 40 or more points. He was one of ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.

Calgary has exclusive negotiating rights to Knight, an Alberta native, until August 15th. If he does not sign with the club by that date he will become an unrestricted free-agent.

Poll

How do you feel about the Corban Knight trade?

NHL Mock Draft 2013: Florida Panthers Select Jonathan Drouin With No. 2 Pick

2013-06-17T17:00:03Z

(Update: all the picks can be found here as they are rolled out)

With the second-overall selection in SB Nation's 2013 NHL Mock Draft, the Florida Panthers take Jonathan Drouin of the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL).

Consistently regarded as one of the top two forwards available in this draft season (the other being recent "Colorado" selection Nathan MacKinnon), Drouin arrives in South Florida not only boasting a mighty impressive resume' - including regular season and playoff MVP titles, a Memorial Cup championship, and a first-team All Star appearance, among numerous other accolades - but also a stunning 105 points (41 goals) in 49 contests during the 2012-13 QMJHL campaign. His wide-ranging body of exceptional work tends to speak for itself:

A Quebec native, Drouin's size - at 5'-11"/186 lbs - may understandably invite criticism given the Panthers' current lack of hulking figures on the top two lines but his creativity as a setup man and agility with the puck have proven to work in his favor throughout his career. Similar to fellow QMJHL alum Jonathan Huberdeau, Drouin can comfortably play center and left wing, providing for multiple options in just about any given situation up front.

Florida must continue addressing a significant shortage of skilled scorers, hence passing on defenseman Seth Jones despite expectations of his becoming a "franchise" blueliner, and Drouin fills this need in remarkable fashion. A few highlights:

Poll

Your call: with MacKinnon off the table, who would you select?

Would the Florida Panthers be willing to deal the 2nd overall pick to the Flames?

2013-06-16T16:01:38Z

If the Colorado Avalanche pass on Seth Jones with the first overall pick (or trade the selection to someone else who does the same) would Dale Tallon and the Florida Panthers be willing to dance with the Calgary Flames and take a bit of quantity over quality?

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Flames have targeted Jones, or maybe it's a feint and they really want Nathan MacKinnon, and offered the Avalanche their collection of three first round picks in the upcoming Entry Draft. Whoever the player really is, the rebuilding Flames seem anxious to move up from the six spot to the top of the draft board to try and nab him. The other picks offered in the package were 22nd overall (acquired from the Blues for Jay Bouwmeester) and 28th overall (acquired from the Penguins for Jarome Iginla). The Avs rebuffed the offer, choosing to keep the first pick and make the selection or perhaps hoping for a better deal to come along.

If the player Calgary really covets is still available after the first selection is made would the Flames be willing to make the same offer to the Panthers? Should the Panthers even consider it or should they hold on to the pick and guarantee they get one of the big three of Jones, MacKinnon or Jonathan Drouin? Is the sixth overall pick and two extra picks late in the first round really enough to pass on one of those three potential stars?

Moving down to six, the Panthers still might have a shot at Aleksander Barkov (whose shoulder injury could cause him to slide a couple spots) or Russian Valeri Nichushkin but would more likely be looking at forwards Sean Monahan, Hunter Shinkaruk, Elias Lindholm and Bo Horvat or defensemen Darnell Nurse, Rasmus Ristolainen and Ryan Pulock.

Poll

Should the Panthers trade down in the first round to garner more picks?

Florida Panthers' Jonathan Huberdeau Wins Franchise's First Calder Memorial Trophy At 2013 NHL Awards

2013-06-16T00:16:33Z

Say it ain't so, but the Panthers found a way to make some positive noise on the heels of a horrific season, as rookie Jonathan Huberdeau seized enough momentum despite several scoring droughts - on a remarkably underperforming squad - to secure the Nation Hockey League's Calder Memorial Trophy (layman's definition: rookie of the year).

This is the first such honor for the organization, yet only one more such distinction for Huberdeau who has already accumulated a vast resume of international and QMJHL success in a short span. His Calder victory over fellow nominees Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens' Brendan Gallagher gives local (and a few not-so-local) fans a few precious moments to celebrate following a campaign which delivered far short of expectations borne on playoff action of a season ago. That's a story which has been told a hundred times since mid-April, so we'll simply savor the recognition of a Panthers player who earned every bit of his award.

2013 Regular Season Stats:

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Jonathan Huberdeau	48	14	17	31	-15	18	2	0	1		112

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Brendan Gallagher	44	15	13	28	10	33	3	0	3		117

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Brandon Saad	46	10	17	27	17	12	0	1	2		98

Let the plus/minus debate commence! From the club:

"The entire Florida Panthers organization is very proud of Jonathan and we commend him on earning this very special honor," said Florida Panthers Executive VP/GM Dale Tallon. "He is a young, skilled and dynamic player who handled himself with both class and professionalism throughout his exceptional rookie season. Jonathan is hard working and dedicated player who is an important part of our young nucleus of talent that will be counted upon to lead our organization to future success."

Bravo, Jonny.

Next up: securing the 2014 Calder Trophy winner...

2013 NHL Awards - Day Two Live Open Thread; Panthers' Huberdeau Takes Calder

2013-06-15T22:40:47Z

Update: Yep, he won!

We'll find out very soon, though it was reported early Saturday morning that Panthers rookie forward Jonathan Huberdeau was/would soon be traveling to Chicago, which just happens to be the location of tonight's Award "show" (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC). Unless he just happened to decide to take in Game Two this evening, we're thinking his presence in the city makes the Calder Trophy a reality on his mantel. We'll see.

Anyway, the remaining awards to be handed out are as follow: Hart (MVP), Norris (top defenseman...evidently Subban was outed as winner), Lindsay (outstanding player), and Vezina (top goaltender). Full list of nominees and Friday's winners here.

It's an open thread, so enjoy :)

UPDATED WINNERS

Calder: Huberdeau, FLA
Lindsay: Sidney Crosby, PIT
Vezina: Sergei Bobrovsky, CBJ
Norris: P.K. Subban, MON
Hart: Alex Ovechkin, WAS

2013 NHL Awards - Day One Live Open Thread

2013-06-14T20:35:26Z

It was a strange season in countless ways, perhaps none more bizarre than shredding the annually unfunny Las Vegas-hosted NHL Awards Show to be replaced with this evening's variant: announcing the awards prior to Game Two of the Stanley Cup Final. From the league:

The winners of the Bill Masterton Memorial, Frank J. Selke, King Clancy and Lady Byng trophies, the Jack Adams Award, the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award, the NHL Foundation Player Award and the NHL General Manager of the Year Award will be revealed Friday beginning at 5 p.m. ET on NHL Network in the United States and Canada. The program will be streamed live online at NHL.com.

So the actual "reveals" will begin at 5 on NHL.com, with a recap show of sorts on Saturday night:

Beginning at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, NBC Sports Network and CBC will join forces to co-host a live pregame television special in which the winners of the Hart Memorial, Calder Memorial, James Norris Memorial and Vezina trophies, along with the Ted Lindsay Award, will be revealed. The show can be seen on NBCSN in the United States and CBC in Canada.

Update: Yes, I was under the impression it all went down on Friday. Yet another black eye.

However that all plays out, Florida faithful have a rooting interest for a second year in a row. The 2012 event featured Panthers nominees Brian Campbell (Lady Byng, won) and Dale Tallon (Executive of the Year, lost), while tonight we gear up to hear the name of rookie forward Jonathan Huberdeau among fellow Calder candidates Brendan Gallagher (Canadiens) and Brandon Saad (Blackhawks). Stats aplenty (and a bit more from the NHL):

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Jonathan Huberdeau	48	14	17	31	-15	18	2	0	1		112

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Brandon Saad	46	10	17	27	17	12	0	1	2		98

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2012 - Brendan Gallagher	44	15	13	28	10	33	3	0	3		117

Win or lose, you've made us all extremely proud in a difficult campaign. Best of luck, Jonny!

UPDATED WINNERS

Selke: Jonathan Toews (CHI)
Adams: Paul MacLean (OTW)
GM of the Year: Ray Shero (PIT)
Lady Byng: Martin St. Louis (TB)
Foundation Player: Henrik Zetterberg (DET)
King Clancy: Patrice Bergeron (BOS)
Masterton: Josh Harding (MIN)
Messier Leadership: Daniel Alfredsson (OTW)

Florida Panthers acquire F Bobby Butler from Nashville Predators for T.J. Brennan

2013-06-14T20:06:40Z

The Florida Panthers have acquired Bobby Butler from the Nashville Predators for T.J. Brennan. Butler, who like Brennan is currently a restricted free agent, joins his fourth organization in three seasons.

Butler was once a promising prospect in the Ottawa Senators organization. After being signed as an undrafted free agent following four seasons at the University of New Hampshire, he helped the Binghamton Senators, Ottawa's AHL affiliate, win the Calder Cup in 2011 with 13 goals in 23 playoff games.

Butler failed to live up to his promising 21-point season (in 36 games) in 2010-11 by scoring five less points (16) in 56 games the following season. The Senators bought out Butler in the offseason, and he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils. He spent the lockout with the Albany Devils, scoring 27 points in 37 games. After only 14 games and one goal with the NHL Devils, Butler was placed on waivers and claimed by the Nashville Predators. He scored nine points (3G/6A) in 20 games with the Predators.

Butler played in the 2013 IIHF World Championship for the United States, alongside Nick Bjugstad, scoring three goals and one assist in eight games.

Season	Team	Age	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	TOI	PPTOI	SHTOI	OGVT	DGVT	SGVT	GVT
2010-11	OTT	23	36	10	11	21	-16	15:25	2:12	0:00	1.4	-0.2	-0.3	0.9
2011-12	OTT	24	56	6	10	16	8	11:28	0:52	0:00	0.1	1.3	0.3	1.7
2012-13	NJD/NSH	25	34	4	7	11	-8	10:48	1:44	0:01	0.2	1.5	-0.3	1.3

On The Prowl: Former Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final

2013-06-12T22:15:16Z

Although the Florida Panthers sank to the bottom of the standings after capturing the Southeast Division crown last season, five former Cats will be looking to have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup at the end of the series between the Bruins and Blackhawks which starts tonight in Chicago. Keep an eye on these ex-Panthers as they go for post-season glory.

Nathan Horton (BOS - Forward) The former Cats' first-rounder is enjoying a fine post-season campaign and will likely be one of the offensive keys if the Bruins are to best the league-leading Blackhawks. Horton has 17 points (7G/10A) in 16 games over the first three rounds of the playoffs. He has also posted a robust +21 rating. Horton never made the playoffs during his stint with the Panthers but will be looking to pick up a second cup win in just his third season in Beantown.

Dennis Seidenberg (BOS - Defense): Signed as a free agent by the Panthers in 2009, the German defender played just 62 games for Florida before he was dealt by then GM Randy Sexton to the Bruins. Seidenberg has one assist and is +6 in 12 playoff games this season. He will be counted on to help shut down Chicago's speedy forwards during the finals. Like Horton, Seidenberg will be looking for a second cup win since coming over from the Cats.

Matt Bartkowski (BOS - Defense) Bartkowski was drafted by Florida in the seventh round in 2008 but never played for the Panthers. He was part of the Seidenberg trade which netted the Cats Byron Bitz, Craig Weller and a 2010 2nd-round pick. The former Ohio State defender has picked up two points (1G/1A) and has posted a -1 rating in 7 playoff games. This is his first taste of NHL post-season action and he will be hungry to hoist his first cup.

Gregory Campbell (BOS - Forward) The former Cats' third-rounder was enjoying a fine post-season with 7 points (3G/4A) before breaking his leg against the Penguins. Campbell will be out for the final series but will have his name hammered into the chalice for the second time if the Bruins are victorious. Campbell was a hard worker during his five seasons in Florida but was shipped off to Boston with Nathan Horton for Dennis Wideman and two draft picks on June 22, 2010.

Michael Frolik (CHI - Forward) Frolik was drafted by the Panthers in the first round (10th overall) back in 2006, but despite a pair of 20-goal seasons, never quite lived up to expectations. He was traded to Chicago along with Alexander Salak on February 9, 2011 for Jack Skille, Hugh Jessiman and David Pacan. Frolik plays more of a checking role these days but chips in offensively now and then. In 17 playoff games this season Frolik has posted 6 points (3G/3A) and an even rating. The Czech native will be looking to capture the cup for the first time.

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Litter Box Cats - All Posts

Florida Panthers trade prospect Corban Knight to Calgary Flames for 2013 fourth-round pick

How do you feel about the Corban Knight trade?

NHL Mock Draft 2013: Florida Panthers Select Jonathan Drouin With No. 2 Pick

Your call: with MacKinnon off the table, who would you select?

Would the Florida Panthers be willing to deal the 2nd overall pick to the Flames?

Should the Panthers trade down in the first round to garner more picks?

Florida Panthers' Jonathan Huberdeau Wins Franchise's First Calder Memorial Trophy At 2013 NHL Awards

2013 NHL Awards - Day Two Live Open Thread; Panthers' Huberdeau Takes Calder

2013 NHL Awards - Day One Live Open Thread

Florida Panthers acquire F Bobby Butler from Nashville Predators for T.J. Brennan

On The Prowl: Former Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final

Who will win the Stanley Cup?