“We made our moves [for Jerred Smithson and Wojtek Wolski] early and those moves probably would’ve cost us a lot more today to do. Overall, I’m satisfied with the team we have. We have tremendous depth now. We improved our team a few days ago and we’re going to get healthier over the next few weeks.”
– Florida GM Dale Tallon, via the Sun-Sentinel
After the head-spinning action generated by Tallon, Inc.’s breathless efforts a year ago, this season’s trading deadline came and went without a single deal by the Cats: not a pick, prospect or roster player left the organization. Conversely, nothing was added, though considering their 29-20-12 record, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Poll and more after the jump…
For the remainder of 2011-12 Florida retains the services of soon-to-be free agent forwards Mikael Samuelsson, Marco Sturm, Krys Barch, John Madden, D Jason Garrison & G Scott Clemmensen. Some, all, or none can be resigned prior to July 1; the futures of Sammy, Clemmer and – particularly – Garrison bear close scrutiny as the regular season winds down.
It was a very slow day, indeed lacking in any brand of drama, but the Panthers remain in first place in the Southeast Division, with games-in-hand on the competition, and oh yeah…it’s late February. Not a position which forces a team to make rash or hurried moves simply for the sake of doing something, at least any team with rational leadership.
It’s a mammoth sign of faith by management to their guys on the ice, a vote of confidence from The Boss, a collective kick in the pants many on the roster may find beneficial. It all begins anew on Tuesday.
Note – full coverage and analysis of the league’s (few) transactions via SB Nation right here. Video below courtesy of the club.
Satisfied the Panthers remained intact on Monday?
| Yes…it’s a quality lineup with solid depth; as health returns so will the victories | 124 |
| No…this was an opportunity to make a “statement move” and getting a return on impending UFAs | 22 |