Evaluating the Panthers- Part 3

  The centre position may be considered one of the deepest of the forward spots on the team.  The future of this position took a drastic hit in the offseason when the likes off Darren Helm and Dave Bolland were shipped out for veterans. Even with that there are some decent names on the pro roster and the prospect list that can help them hold out for now.  With the draft coming centres headline the top 10 and it wouldnt be suprising if the Panthers are in the position to take one. 

 The Top of the centre position may be the most locked spot on the roster.  The team has all-star Marc Savard headlining them there who was an offseason signing by the Panthers.  Marc lead the team and would seem like he has the spot locked for next year.  Though with being such a good player it wouldnt be suprising at all if he is shopped this summer, hoping to bring in some picks and prospects for the future.  No matter how good Marc is, any team trading for him will need to take a hefty price tag with him worth 8.5 million a year, so if he is shipped expect a salary dump on the way back.  The 2nd line spot seems to be up for grabs,  Brendan Morrison who had a lack luster year is a pending UFA and the team is yet undecided if he will be brought back.  If he is not brought back, Daniel Winnik who had an excellent year may put him in line for being a Top 6 forward.  Winnik put up excellent numbers, even putting him near the top in rookie scoring ending in 4th in rookie assists and 50 points on the year.  If Dan brings the same edge during camp as he did during this season it wouldnt suprise anyone if he locks up a spot in the Top 6.

  The bottom two centres are a little less predictable as the top two.  Pending RFA Brian Sutherby has been in talks with the staff and could be negotiating a new deal in the near future.  With another possible spot on the roster a couple of players may be fighting hard for the spot.  With Mark Mowers heading out Wyatt Smith may take his chance at an NHL spot but will most likely take Mowers spot as the veteran centre in the AHL.  Ryan Hollweg the tough guy fought hard for a spot during camp but didnt suit well with the coaching staff and theres a possibilty he may be shipped out if there is any takers.  That leaves Jacob Dowell who had a very succesful stint with the Everblades/ Icehogs after he was acquired from the Blackhawks.  Dowell spent the end of the year with the Panthers and impressed managment and will get an extra long look during camp next year. With all that it may come down to looking for a player through free agency or trade to fill either the 3rd or 4th spot in the depth chart.

   After that the list is pretty dry.  To fill out the farm the team has Tyler Redenbach and Kyle Wanvig who may not even get a job with the Everblades next season.  The team would rather give players with a future instead of ones who seem on the down spin.  If needed the team has the possibilty to bring up Chad Rau who was traded for at the deadline who is a gifted scorer from the college levels. Also the team has Chris Didomenico to call on who is coming of a succesful year in the QMJHL and also currently having an excellent playoff.  Also there is the chance Oliver Fortier could be signed but the team is currently set on letting him devolp for another year.  To round out the list is Denis Staysuk and Robbie Czarnik who arent the best guys to count on as the Top prospects at the position, so look to Dylan this offseason to improve on that.  There are many question marks at the centre position going into the offseason and hopefully we learn more about the situation as we progress closer to that point.

AND a word from the GM.

" Well we are confident at who we have at centre.  We have some really good prospects and Marc may be considered a top guy in the league so it doesnt hurt to have him either.  Are we looking to move him, I wouldnt say so, if it makes sense we will but if it doesnt we dont mind him here devolping our young guys and a possible guy to help in a future playoff run.  Dowell has impressed us and was a good pickup for us and we look to him trying for a spot next year.  As for Morrison, me and Crawford have talked to him personally to see where hes at and we will talk to his agent in the next few days,  we would like to have him back but we just need to clarify some other things we have going on before we begin discussions with him."