Does The Halak Trade Affect The Panthers?

As we head into the second weekend of the off season there certainly has been alot of activity going on, making us all want October to get here faster.  By the way, there’s 111 days until the season starts.  Something I found on a Twitter site called Is It October Yet?.

That said, yesterday’s news in the NHL seemed to be all about the Jaroslav Halak  trade to St. Louis, which completely overshadowed the New Jersey Devils hiring of John MacLean  as their new head coach.  I have no idea if there’s any riots going on in Montreal, but from what I’ve read, most people aren’t too happy with the trade. Mostly because of the return for Halak, and that the Canadiens seemingly took the first deal that came their way.  Lars Eller, a centerman, and Ian Schultz. a right winger were acquired in the deal.  Both with limited NHL experience.

What’s the plan for Florida?  Well for one thing, with the Panthers holding the number three overall pick in next week’s draft, there’s options.  Dale Tallon has contacted both Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini and Boston’s Peter Chiarelli, who hold the number one and number two picks respectively.  Tallon obviously would love the opportunity to move up and have the chance to acquire either Taylor Hall  or Tyler Seguin.  Tallon, on the other hand is getting calls from teams who are picking below the Panthers about the possibility of the Panthers trading down.  Tallon’s calls to both Tambellini and Chiraelli have resulted in thanks, but no thanks.

What bargainning chips do the Panthers have?  Well, after calling and telling goaltender Tomas Vokoun, he’s not being shopped, there goes one.  Unless of course Tallon is presented with an offer he can’t refuse.  Now, is it possible that Vokoun would interest the Montreal Canadiens, the team that drafted him originally?  And where our old friend Uncle Jack is the head coach?  I have no idea, but that potentially could be a good fit.  The question is, what would the return be?  Would you take Carey Price  back in a deal?  Just asking.

Vokoun, who has one more year left on his contract could also be the guy to groom Price in Montreal, but the question is could they co-exist?  Is there too much pressure now on Price and does he still need to mature some before he officially takes the reigns?  Vokoun and Martin reunited could be a nice match.  I just think that the Halak trade might now open some doors for Tallon that he may mot have considered before.

Other options are obviously Nathan Horton  being traded somewhere.  Toronto, who would love to move up in the draft could be a good spot for Horton.  Brian Burke, Toronto’s GM wants a big winger that can score.  Change of scenery for Nathan could be good.  Tomas Kaberle and one or two of their young players included on the way back here is something to consider.  We discussed here the Buffalo rumor yesterday, and I for one don’t like that deal, so hopefully that just goes away.

What about Little Stevie?  Coming off his best season after eight friggin’ years, his value may never be better either.  He’s signed to a decent contract, and if anyone is looking for a good number two center, he could be your man.  I personally have seen enough of him, and feel we need to move on.  If it’s me, and I know it’s not, and I have the choice to move Horton or Weiss, I’m moving Weiss.   Although Horton has a no trade clause that kicks in starting July 1.  If he’s going to be traded it will be easier now than later.  Weiss has a no move clause.  Nice going Uncle Jack!

With Tallon intent on making some sort of splash, the Panthers appear to have some commodities.  The third overall pick, a couple players or two, and the determination to change the face of the club.  While this can’t be done in one trade, and will take multiple moves and more than just one season, there’s no better time than right now to change the face and direction of the club.

Vokoun and Horton to?  Vokoun and Weiss to?  Vokoun, Weiss and Olesz to?  There’s alot of possibilities, and I’m confident that Dale Tallon is thinking of more than we already have.

The next seven days are going to be extremely interesting.

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