The Florida Panthers have waived defenseman Dylan Olsen and forward Garrett Wilson, and in a surprising move, sent 2015 first round draft pick Lawson Crouse back to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs.
Olsen and Wilson will be heading to the AHL’s Portland Pirates, unless another team claims them before noon tomorrow.
It seemed Crouse, who is currently suspended in the OHL, was a lock to make the roster and see action in at least nine games before a potential return to junior.
Crouse appeared in three preseason games and picked up one point, an assist. He looked pretty poor by possession metrics, and could likely use another year or two in juniors to improve his game.
Panthers preseason. pic.twitter.com/TCpYLB59CZ
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) October 4, 2015
(Note Crouse’s location in the bottom left, or “Bad” portion of the graph. He didn’t look good in preseason).
Had an amazing time with @FlaPanthers Excited to get things going with the @KingstonFronts again.
— Lawson Crouse (@LawCrouse) October 5, 2015
Today’s activity leaves 23 players on the roster, which needs to be finalized tomorrow, with veteran forward Martin Havlat the wild card that could cost Quinton Howden or Connor Brickley a spot on the big club.
Havlat is in camp on PTO, and the twitterverse is starting to buzz with rumors of an impending deal between club and player.
If Havlat is inked, the Panthers can place Rocco Grimaldi on injured reserve to start the season or they can leave Grimaldi on the active roster and ship either Howden or Brickley to Portland.
If it comes to down Howden or Brickley, I’d like to see Connor make the opening night roster. He’s been one of the club’s best forwards during training camp.
Keep it here on LBC for any potential updates regarding Florida’s final 23-man roster.