Breaking the Silence

 It’s been a full month since the Panthers were sent home after a disappointing first round loss to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Since then it’s been fairly quiet in Florida as the organization decided to take an internal review, just one year after winning the Stanley Cup. And finally on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, GM Dylan Wilson broke his silence and answered some of the important questions that were being asked.

“First and foremost, we are happy to announce that Marc Crawford will be back behind the bench next year for us. Marc has done some excellent work for us, winning not only the Stanley Cup but also the President’s Trophy this year. While this post-season was disappointing, the blame doesn’t fall on Marc and we stand by him a 100 percent.”

Though even with the vote of confidence, the news still comes without a contract extension to Crawford whose deal ends at the end of next season.

 The next big question is who stays and who goes. It seems fairly apparent that even if Selanne doesn’t retire, he won’t be retained after a disappointing year that saw him fail to produce any chemistry with anyone. Our sources say that there is a huge internal debate going on between which UFA to bring back, as it seems like the cap space will only allow one to return. Whether that is Mikhail Grabovski, Jay Harrison or Ryane Clowe remains to be seen.

The Panthers are also expected to be heavy on the trade front this off-season, with names like Keith Yandle, Marc-Edourd Vlasic, Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Rick Nash all seeming to be involved in some sort of trade talks. “We aren’t going to be rash in our decisions. People are after our top guys and we won’t move them lightly. We’ve gotten some calls on guys we don’t plan on moving and it will take a massive overpayment to get them, and we won’t waver from that stance,” said GM Wilson.

 As always, look to the draft to be the focal point  of the Panthers off-season. They are always busy at that time of year, and don’t let the lack of picks (only 5 between rounds 2 through 4) dissuade you. Expect them to be active on not only getting more picks, but also pro-active in getting the best people. “We are really excited about the possibility of adding some top notch people to our organization, and maybe even changing the way we conduct ourselves at the draft. We won’t say much, but we are pretty much at the point of dotting the I’s and curving the V’s – maybe I have said too much. “

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In some positive news, the Panthers affliate the San Antonio Rampage have clinched a spot in the MRFAHL Finals, and would you believe it - they are going up against state rival Tampa Bay Lightnings farm team, the Syracuse Crunch. 

The Rampage have gotten to this point on the dominate play (and AHL leading scorer) of Taylor Beck. His 27 points in these playoffs put him alone at the top in playoff scoring as well, and with Darcy Kuemper and Simon Despres stepping up at the right time, another trophy could be added to this organizations cabinet. 

"We are very happy with the progress of our farm team, and guys like Kuemper, Despres, Toffoli, Beck, Sheppard and Emmerton. These are all guys who have impressed and will be up for some key spots on next years pro roster.  We really couldn't be hapier with the job Glen (Gulutzan) has done so far in his 1st year with the Rampage, and he will surely be back next year."