If your name is Tomas, the Panthers are coming. The Florida Panthers have signed left wing Tomas Fleischmann to a 4 year deal (4.5M per season?) after coming off a 31 point season (12G/19A in 45 games) cut short by pulmonary embolii. Fleischmann, a long time Washington Capital who couldn’t always find his place was traded to Colorado mid-season and showed simply amazing chemistry with Matt Duchene of the Avalanche. In 22 games Flash put up 21 points (8G/13A) including a hat trick against the Blackhawks and seemed well on his way to 30 goals before being diagnosed with pulmonary embolii, a serious form of blood clotting. Tallon has signed Flash after doctor reports cleared him to play in the 2011-12 season.
What I saw Fleischmann do in Colorado was simply magical. Flash was an offensive threat that seemed to appear out of nowhere, and opposing defensemen treated him like they would for Evgeni Malkin or Patrick Marleau. Fleischmann brought together an Avalanche team treading water and made them something special. When Flash went down with his condition the Avalanche simply fell apart.
Fleischmann’s only drawback is the threat of recurring health issues, but as said before Flash has been cleared to play. For a player who played so well before his condition it seemed like GMs wouldn’t touch him with a ten foot pole, let alone sign him to a four year contract. Tomas is a high risk–higher reward type of player that the Panthers can surely need. He has never scored 30 goals, but with players like David Booth, Stephen Weiss, Kris Versteeg and Scottie Upshall around him, Flash certainly has the potential to. We’re thrilled to have you, Tomas.