Posts Tagged ‘Scott Luce’

A Few Panthers Draft Day Notes and Impact on the Amerks

June 25, 2010 - By

On Friday evening the Florida Panthers will begin their process of building (again?) for their future through the draft but chances are it’ll have little impact on the Rochester Americans.  It typically takes two years for a draft pick to work his way up through the junior ranks and into minor league systems.  Things could change, but at this point all signs are pointing to this probably being the last season the Amerks and Panthers are affiliated which means we’d never see these draft picks in Rochester.

That could all change once Tallon visits Rochester.  If he can sell the Amerks that they really are committed to a winning culture and strong business commitment the affiliation could be saved.

** To get the reaction of Panthers fans about the draft and to even talk about anything else, visit LitterBoxCats.com.  There’ll be an open thread and continued analysis of the draft and all moves.

** The Panthers have the 3rd pick in the draft and are likely to pick Erik Gudbranson or Cam Fowler.  All signs seem to be pointing to Gudbranson who has been compared to Chris Pronger.  Gudbranson is the player that can hit and hit hard but [...]Read More

Florida Panthers Draft Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov

June 26, 2009 - By

The Florida Panthers drafted defenseman Dmitry Kulikov with their first round pick (14th overall) in this years NHL draft.  Kulikov is only 18 years old which means he would not appear in an Amerks uniform until at least the 2010-2011 season.  The 2008-2009 season in the QMJHL with Drummondville was his first in North America.  He moved to North America to learn the game with the goal of playing in the NHL.

Kulikov will be competing with Keaton Ellerby and Jason Garrison for a spot on the Panthers roster out of training camp in September.  It’s not likely that Kulikov will be ready for the NHL, but it was draft day so Scott Luce hyped him up.  That’s what you’re supposed to do, sell the player you just drafted in the first round.

If the Amerks can get a veteran player on defense next season it will help add some stability to a solid blue line.  It’s rumored that former Amerk Doug Janik could be returning.

The defensive core for the Rochester Americans includes Rory Fitzpatrick, Keaton Ellerby, Jason Garrison, Michael Caruso, Matt Duffy, and Jordan Henry.  Peter Aston and Luke Beaverson will also be competing for a spot on [...]Read More