James at the fantastic Cycle Like the Sedins has been running question-and-answer sessions with bloggers of all thirty NHL clubs over the past week or so in a buildup to the draft and free agency.
Today was Florida’s turn at the wheel, and in the interest of full disclosure, The Box was once again honored to represent the Panthers in this latest of CLS‘s series of dialogs with a sterling selection of blogs from around the league.
As for “steals”? Almost everyone acquired by Bill Torrey/Bobby Clarke when the team was formulated in 1993. With a few exceptions, they melded into a tough group to play, culminating in the Stanley Cup Final runners-up for 1996. An otherwise forgettable roster, built on character and uncommon effort, which exceeded any sane hockey observer’s expectations. Until you looked at the individuals involved, and it became clear why success was so quick in coming. Whether by default or design, a lot of Panthers fans are very comfortable knowing Bill Torrey is back at the helm following the loss of Jacques Martin.
(No disrespect to Randy Sexton, of course, who I’ve become a “fan” of more and more lately.)
Check out the entire post here, and be sure to take in the tremendous cross section of hockey blogging throughout the series prior to the draft. And they appreciate feedback from readers as much as we do…so shout it out.