Panthers Begin Long Offseason

   Trading in the MRFHL has been open for just over 2 weeks now and GM Wilson has been very busy trying to remodel this team and get them ready for the Draft.  In total Dylan has made 12 trades in the last 15 days, sending out some big names and suprising names and also stockpiling on picks for the upcoming draft.  Going into the offseason as a rebuilding team the Panthers only held 4 draft picks for the upcoming draft but since then has brought that total to 9 including holding 4 1st rounders 2 of which are in the top 6 in a very deep draft.   

  Trading had been only open for a day and already 2 of the bigger names acquired last offseason by the Panthers were shown the door.  The team dealt 1st line centre Marc Savard to the Penguins for Jiri Tlusty, Teddy Purcell and a 1st rounder and also sent former starting goalie Dan Ellis to Philly for 3 prospects and a 3rd rounder. " We are expecting to go into a long rebuild and these are moves we just needed to make,  we feel like we gained 3 solid prospects that could all end up in the NHL and a pick for Ellis who would have been overtaken by Mason anyways. Sure it doesnt cut the lose of losing Lucic last offseason but this move is a step forward and we just had to cut loses here.  With Marc, we would have loved to hold onto him but he's a winner and that just wouldnt have happened here.  We gave him an excellent oppurtunity in Pittsburgh to have a chance to win and have a succesful team, as for what we recived we got an excellent player in Tlusty and also a solid addition in Purcell and along with a 1st rounder in a deep draft, we feel both players can be top 6 and they may be asked to do so next year." said the young GM of the Panthers.  The team also shocked everyone by dealing its 2nd overall pick, along with Dan Winnik to the Rangers for Cam Barker, 6th overall pick in 09 and New Yorks 1st in 2010. " This move is odd in a sense, we stepped back in the draft but we stepped forward as a team.  With Cam we get a great young defender who complments guys like Alex(Pietrangelo) and Aaron(Ness) for the future and with him and McCabe next year we expect to atleast have a solid defense but also maybe one of the better ones for the future.  With the 6th overall its not really a step down, with such a deep draft we are still getting a great player and thats something to look forward to. It would also be nice if the Rangers have a season next year like this one." GM Wilson said jokingly.  With 3 trades on the 1st day it may be suprising that the Panthers made all their trades with Atlantic Division teams.

 Over the next few days the Panthers continued to stockpile draft picks, sending Thorburn for a 3rd and also Burish, Hollweg and a pick for a 2nd rounder.  The team also took on some cap next year by acquiring Peca and a 4th for Brian Sutherby.  The team also announced they would be letting go of head coach Marc Crawford after 1 full season with the Panthers.  " Marc is an excellent coach but he just didnt fit the way we were going forward and thats why he is gone. But knowing Marc he wont remain unemployed for long."  Rumours swirled that Florida Everblades Head Coach, Paul Maurice would take over but the team quickly dismissed that by signing Coach Ron Wilson to a deal.  " Ron gives us a lot of experience and will definatley help this young defense core along and we feel he gives us an upper hand for our rebuild."

  Everything remained quiet for the next few days till a shocking trade was announced after the team sent young star David Booth and a 2nd rounder to the Rangers for the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming draft.  GM Wilson always turned down offers for Booth left and right but finally the Rangers broke through. " We were stubborn about Booth, we have high hopes for him and we really didnt want to talk any deals for him.  Then Phil comes along and offers us the 3rd overall pick.  It took us a while and we really fought ourselves about it but then we gave in knowing we couldnt pass on JT, Hedman or Duchene.  Booth is an excellent player and such a fan favourite but when it comes down to getting a potential Franchis player, you just have to make that move." said Dylan. 

  Everything is remaining quiet on the Panthers front right now.  The team recently re-signed goalie Andrew Raycroft who will serve as the teams back-up next season.   Dylan has noted the team has no intention of bringing back Brendan Morrison and are activley shopping him for anything right now.  The team is also activley shopping Nolan Pratt, Brendan Witt and Frantisek Kaberle.  Also of note Dylan has said the team has recieved calls about Wolski and Comeau but is remaining hesitent on trading them after Booth was dealt.  When asked who he is targetting on draft day he had this to say, " Well we have some guys on our radar but you'll learn who they are when we call their names on draft day."