Former 2005 sixth-round pick Roman Derlyuk, who spent most of last season with Florida’s AHL affiliate the San Antonio Rampage, was reported to have signed a two-year deal with Dynamo Moscow today after his one-year entry level deal expired. Derlyuk, who managed 11 points in 69 games last season with the Rampage, was likely not going to see time with the big club, as the Panthers have several call-up options available that would have preceded him, including AHL All-star Colby Robak and newly-promoted prospect Alex Petrovic.
It’s likely Florida will look to stockpile a few more defensive prospects at the 2012 NHL Draft this weekend, as General Manager Dale Tallon and Assistant GM Mike Santos continue to revamp the Cats’ farm system to their liking. If there’s any one position the Panthers seem to lack depth in past the AHL level, it’s definitely on the blueline, so don’t be surprised to see the Cats first round pick be a defensive player this year.