Evaluating the Panthers- Part 2

     The Right wing is by far the weakest position for the Panthers going into this long offseason.  There is no legit Top 6 winger and the prospect pool is very shallow to say the least.  This is a gaping hole in the system and will be the biggest piece to improve over the offseason and could shell out big money on the free agent market for a winger on the right side.

   The top 2 at this position are not the best of the bunch. With Branko heading out as a free agent this year, Blake Comeau is the next in line.  Even though the organization like Blake they believe he is no where near ready for top line minutes.  After Blake, Chris Thorburn who was claimed off waivers this year slides in 2nd which again is too high a spot for what he deserves.  The team has suitable depth though with rugged winger Adam Burish who will add a positive spot to this shallow right wing spot.   From the mouth of current Head Coach, Marc Crawford it seems that at this point these three players have a spot locked for next years team and will fight for the 2nd line role as he is confident Dylan will bring in a #1 Right winger.

  The Farm squad at the right wing is no prettier.  With veterans Eric Chouinard and Darryl Bootland both leaving that leaves the top 2 spots there in the hands of Dan Collins and Rob Globke. The 21 year old Collins put up 15 goals this season with the Florida Everblades and Globke with 12 leads many to believe that the offensive touch for the Everblades next year will be very weak.  Though Paul Maurice hopes that both learned a lot from their rookie seasons and will show during next season with a more exprience and important role.

  To fill out the farm the team will dip into its shallow prospect pool and find some depth guys.  On the list will include Dan Bertram and Mario Kempe, both are considered at the top of the prospect list for the Panthers at the Right wing which sends a cause for concern.  Both Bertram and Kempe will fight Globke and Collins for top minutes on the farm team and fight for the first call-up.  Another prospect that might get the call is gritty winger Alex Berry.  Berry may be the most interesting character who has come from out of no where and might even steal a spot on the farm team.  The GM was impressed with Berry's play in college this year that he may deserve a chance to fight for some top minutes for the Everblades himself.  Berry was acquired from the Leafs last offseason.

The prospect list is the biggest cause for concern at this position and GM Wilson will look to either trade for a few and possibly pick a few in this upcomign offseason.  With the guys jumping to the farm this upcoming season   Denis Yachmenev is considered the top guy at the position in their prospect pool and he may not even make it overseas.  After that it doesnt get better with Zach Bearson and Dan Travis who could be considered fringe AHL'ers.  So with the lack off top tier talent already on the team the lack of prospects will make Dylan a nervous wreck.  Expect the Panthers to really charge at the right wing position going into the offseason.

And a word from the GM.

" We really like some guys that we have here like Adam and Blake but we really need to improve the position for now and the future.  The problem is we dont want to risk the future at other positions to improve this one so we may look at trading a couple of our guys who have become expendble but we would rather look at the free agent route with all this cap space."