Florida Panthers: Bob Boughner will have no effect on Free Agency
July 1st is just around the corner and the Florida Panthers will need to prepare a shortlist of free agents they will likely tackle.
One thing we know is that Boughner will have no “immediate” impact/effect on which free agents we lure. Heading into Free Agency, we need to address our bottom six. Filling out our bottom six will be crucial, especially if the Cats will want to achieve instant success next year.
Having four lines you can roll out during the game is something that separates the good teams from the bad. In terms of the Cats, not all four lines could be counted on during certain parts of the games last year. For instance, the first and the second line did the majority of the scoring, while the third and fourth struggled to score. Taking into consideration how decimated we were by injuries, we must note that it affected our whole team, including our bottom lines.
In the past however, our 3rd and 4th lines have never really matched up well to other opponents bottom lines. We’ve struggled in retaining puck possession, and putting the puck in the back of the net. Eaves, Boyle, Gagner, and Bonino are all guys I’d consider signing on July 1st.
In terms of Boughner, I don’t see much of an impact with him solely. Bob himself isn’t going to snatch any Free Agents for us, and will all be solely on Dale and his crew. Going after a “big whale” isn’t a priority. Remember, the UFA market is overpriced. Getting in there and getting what we need is crucial come July 1st. This means no wasting time being stuck in bidding wars.
Our priority come UFA day is strengthening our bottom six and only our bottom six. Our top two lines are fine for now (as long as everyone stays healthy). One thing for sure, is that Boughner wants this team playing harder and more physical, so I am sure he’ll be emphasizing for some grittier bottom six forwards.
For those of you wanting the “TJ Oshie’s” and the “Kevin Shattenkirk’s” (not that we need either, especially Kevin), it isn’t happening. Signing those types of guys are often like gambling, as you never know what to expect. With Oshie, you have a 30-year-old forward who will produce 50-60pts a season. Considering this will be his “final pay-day”, sure enough he’ll be demanding at least 6 million a season. Signing a 30-year-old (who will begin his decline) to a long term contract isn’t smart. You’re lucky if you get a solid 4 years out of him (depending on the length of his contract).
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The Florida Panthers need to stay away from those deals, as we have our young core who are more than capable of producing at that rate (50-60pts). Expecting our new coach to land us pieces in Free Agency just isn’t realistic nor will happen. He will definitely have a say/plan on who he’d like, but it stops after he consults with Dale. Tallon will then take it from there and work his magic.
Even though Bob will have a minimal impact on luring Free Agents to Sunrise Florida, he will continue to prepare our team during the off-season. Don’t expect anything “big” over the summer (mainly Free Agency) and rightfully so. Big roster changes aren’t needed. Small tweaking’s/adjustment’s are. Stay calm and trust Tallon Panther fans, as he knows what needs to be done in regards with our roster.