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Florida Panthers Should Keep Michael Sgarbossa For Depth Purpose

By Daniel Janicas

Jan 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Michael Sgarbossa (48) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Michael Sgarbossa (48) skates during the warmup period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Sgarbossa’s contract has expired and he will become an RFA this summer. The Florida Panthers should sign him to a team friendly deal, to keep him around for depth purpose.

When we encountered a “laundry list” full of injuries, no one would have expected calling upon players who didn’t play in the NHL regularly. On November 16, the Cats traded forward Logan Shawn in exchange for Michael Sgarbossa. The deal was made in order to strengthen our depth down in the minors.

Because of the amount of injuries we suffered during the year, Sgarbossa was one of the forwards called upon to play a role upfront. In 38 games played, he tallied 2G, 7A, and 9P all together. Not good nor bad considering his time spent in the NHL before. Michael is the type who uses his speed and outworks his opponent in the corners. It’s safe to say that Sgarbossa isn’t afraid to get his “hands dirty”.

He is the type of player the Panthers need more of. Heart, determination, and grit. Those are 3 aspects to Michael’s game in which he excels at. Sgarbossa will never be a player who puts up 20 goal seasons. However, he is a reliable call-up who will get the job done for you on any night. Considering how weak our minor system is, it would be in our best interest to hold onto Michael for the time being.

At just 24 years of age, Sgarbossa hasn’t even hit his prime yet. His age should be another deciding factor towards keeping him in the AHL for call-up purposes. We don’t want to call upon players who are old and past their prime, so having a guy like Michael at 24 years of age is seriously another bonus.

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It’s likely that his contract wont jump in value considering his production last season. It’s also very likely that the contract negotiations will go to arbitrations (3rd party), in which they’ll settle a deal. A contract in the field of 2 years seems very realistic for both parties in my opinion. One that will keep Sgarborssa in the AHL, while knowing that he’s available when the time comes for his services.

Overall, there isn’t more you could ask of Michael to do. He does his job well as a call-up. With the team healthy next season (let’s pray) it’s unlikely that Sgarbossa will make the team. With injuries bound to happen throughout the year, it’s always nice to have a hard-working player like Michael available to call upon.

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