Florida Panthers Make a Big Splash in FA and Trade to Make a Run in the East

Brock

Registered User
Feb 27, 2002
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The GTA
ohlprospects.blogspot.com
After a few seasons of re-tooling where the Panthers looked to replenish the cupboard after their back to back Stanley Cup victories, Florida looks poised to make a run in the Eastern Conference again. Thanks to being active on the trade market and in free agency the last month or so, GM Brock Otten now believes that he has a team that can compete for first in the Conference yet again. "I really like the way our team has come together the last few months. I think our line-up now competes with the best of what the East has to offer," said Otten.

By bringing in Eric Staal, Mike Fisher, Brian Gionta, Jason Chimera, Zach Parise, Jake Guentzel, and Vince Hinostroza, the Panthers offense can once again be feared. And the signing of Thomas Greiss gives Florida one of the best 1/2 punches in the HFNHL with Matt Murray.

As of today, here's how we project the Panthers' lineup to look come training camp.

Zach Parise - Eric Staal - Nikita Kucherov
Jake Guentzel - Mike Fisher - Lee Stempniak
Jason Chimera - Brian Boyle - Brian Gionta
Brad Richardson - Dominic Moore - Robby Fabbri
Vince Hinostroza

Cam Fowler - Josh Gorges
Brent Seabrook - Michael Stone
Matt Hunwick - Troy Stecher
Colin Miller

Matt Murray
Thomas Greiss

The one wild card here is the uncertainty surrounding Mike Fisher's future. There are rumblings that he is considering retirement. GM Otten had this to say when approached about Fisher: "We're still waiting on his decision. If he does decide to step away, we'll have to work hard to fill his spot in our line-up, utilizing our forward depth to find someone who can play the 2nd line center spot for us."

Training camp quickly approaches where the Panthers will look to make it a 10th straight season making the HFNHL playoffs.

Esteban Santour,
Florida Post
 

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