Q4: Should the Panthers consider offering Demers in a potential deal for a forward, due to our excess amount of inexpensive, young d-men waiting in our system?
Kirby: Demers name should be offered up in ANY DEAL. When a player’s name is in a rumored (nixed) deal, you have to wonder where both parties go from here moving forward. Management and the player alike can say they have moved on, but words can be cheap. Young prospects like Ian McCoshen and MacKenzie Weegar are knocking on the door for NHL full-time roles. Demers along with his sizeable term on his contract simply aren’t a fit one-year later in Pantherland.
Danny: Yes, they really should. The Panthers are thin on wingers, and have a surplus of defensemen. Packaging Demers with a pick or two, and maybe even a prospect, should entice a team to give up a decent winger in return. We have replacements in McCoshen and Weegar, waiting for their opportunity to jump up and gain a permanent spot on the team.
If the deals right, and there’s a winger who can improve our team offensively, then I’d personally give the green light to go ahead and trade Demers.