The 2010 edition of free agency is set to begin at Noon EST today and we may not see immediate moves by the Florida Panthers and Rochester Americans but there definitely will be. A lot of people still consider the Panthers a “bad parent club” but they did a very good job partnered with the Amerks in building a successful AHL team last season. A few minor upgrades (defense and coach) and the team is already better.
One move that seems to have been overlooked is that the Panthers acquired Michael Grabner in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks. The Panthers sent Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich to the Canucks in exchange. Grabner has spent the majority of the past four seasons (180 games) with the Manitoba Moose and is good for 20 goals and 20 assists. He’s not a veteran player based on games, but he’s a fast skater and team him up with a speedy center and we’ll have a reliable scoring line.
Jamie Johnson has already said that he’s been in contact with the Panthers and would be willing to come back. Johnson was a leader on the ice and led the team in scoring. He [...]Read More