Ready for a Sid-nificant Run

 It has been a long road for the fans and team in Florida. After 4 straight years of picking in the top 5, the Panthers are close to reaching their ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup. With the team rolling, and captain Sidney Crosby dominating since returning from injury, the Panthers were poised to make big additions at the upcoming trade deadline. And while the opportunity presented itself, the Panthers were unable to pull the trigger. 

 Though it didn't mean they were quiet leading up to the deadline. The Panthers added Mikko Koivu and Keith Yandle a week before the deadline. Koivu and Yandle both add a veteran presense and more ready players to make a run. It did come at a cost seeing the likes of Bryan Little and Cam Fowler headed to Buffalo. "It was really tough to lose Cam. He is going to be a great player in this league, and it wouldn't surprise us if he ends up the best player in the deal. But Yandle is more proven right now and the fact he will be a RFA at the end of his current deal is what allowed us to make the move."

 After the biggest blockbuster, Dylan went about making smaller moves in preperation for the deadline. They moved out top guys from the AHL team in Chay Genoway, Joe Vitale and Jordie Benn for picks. While Marcel Mueller was dealt for cash. The Panthers then went about picking up veteran bottom liners in Alexei Ponikarovsky and Matt Bradley. "We are confident in our team and Eakins that San Antonio will be fine and still be able to compete in this years playoffs. While adding Poni and Bradley gives us a good veteran presence that are also physical and can add some offense."

 There are rumours that the Panthers were involved in some bigger talks at the deadline, which Wilson commeneted on. "We had our hands in a few fires, but couldn't make the move whether it was because the price was too high or they didn't want any of our top prospects which confused us. But whatever it was, we weren't prepared to kill all that we have built in hopes of one run."

 And asked if Sidney Crosby's name came up on deadline day. "It's no surprise that his name did come up. There were a few top notch offers but really when we stand back and look, there is really no way we deal the best player in the league."