How’s Our defense Now?

On Monday the Florida Panthers signed free agent defenseman Dennis Seidenberg!

Terms of the deal are a one year contract for $2.25 million.  Seidenberg who last year played for the Carolina Hurricanes is coming off his best season, and one oin which he played the most games of his NHL career.  Seidenberg originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2001 (6th round) has also played for Phoenix.  Seidenberg is known for his puck moving ability with his quickness and is very efficient.  The knock against him is that despite his size he’s not overly physical and he needs to be in high traffic areas.

Regardless of that weakness, this makes the top 4 of the defense significantly better.  Now with Seidenberg, Keith Ballard, Bryan McCabe and Bryan Allen the Panthers defense should be able to collectively overcome the loss of Jay Bouwmeester.  With Jordan Leopold becoming the 5th defenseman, the last spot is up for grabs with Ville Koistenen who signed as a free agent this summer having the lead. 

Defensively the Panthers now have a unit that should be responsible enough to cut down the shots against, be quick enough to get the puck out of the zone and the toughness can come from Ballard and a health Bryan Allen.  The offense will be supplied by McCabe and Seidenberg.  Jordan Leopold also can provide some offense as well and should see time on the power play.  I almost like this unit better than last year’s even though last year included Bouwmeester.  This group appears more mobile, more skilled and should be slightly tougher.

Time will tell is all this is enough to keep the puck out of the net, but if this unit stays healthy and does their job, goals against shold be reduced.

Now, can we please get some offense?