Olli Jokinen didn't part on the best of terms with Jacques Martin. After the Zednik incident, he never returned to what is expected of him. The writing was on the wall, and today a new era begins.
Or is it? New? An overwhelming majority of Panther fans will tell you offensive production is their greatest concern. It had been mentioned repeatedly that an Olli trade would help bring some offensive firepower, a first-rounder, or both. But that's assuming the guy at the wheel has offense on his mind.
Martin said right after the season that acquiring a solid puck-moving defenseman was his top priority. After Panther fans stopped scratching their heads at that, most figured Jokinen would be used to help acquire that player, and hopefully more, considering Olli's age, upside, and cap-friendly contract.
Upon hearing the news of Olli's departure to Phoenix, there's no question a knee-jerk reaction could be felt as if it was the Luongo deal all over again. Giving away proven talent, and the team's captain, for Keith Ballard, Nick Boynton, and the 49th pick in the draft.
Yes, Ballard and Boynton improve the Panthers defensively. And yes, that is an area of concern since Tomas Vokoun faced the most shots in the NHL last year. But all Olli brings to the table has been shipped off for basically no offensive output in return.
Peter DeBoer has taken over the reigns as coach of the Panthers, and so far has said all the right things. He brings a new and youthful outlook to the bench, which is long overdue. But as a first-year coach, there is much to do. Most importantly, who does he count on now to score goals?
Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton, and David Booth are the go-to guys now. The team will live and die with their production/health. Only Booth is consistent of the three, so this is a fragile proposition.
Kamil Kreps, Rostislav Olesz, and Richard Zednik could be an intriguing line, especially if Zednik comes back with a sense of urgency to show he's come all the way back from his gruesome injury in Buffalo last year. Olesz has tremendous upside and Kreps showed he belongs last year. Could be a sleeper line in the NHL.
How about Brett McLean centering Shawn Matthias and Michael Frolik? Brett showed after a very slow start that he brings a great sense of grit and occasional scoring touch to be a well-rounded player. Put such a veteran with two young studs and good things could happen quickly as they grow into their roles in the NHL. Although word is Frolik might not be ready for the big time just yet.
It is of little surprise that many questions still surround this team. The departure of Jokinen gives youth opportunity, but also makes the team susceptible to more needless mistakes. Rebuilding would be too strong of a word, since there is great talent in place. But can DeBoer get the most out of them? Those in the league that know him seem to think so, and that bodes well for a roster needing a kick in the pants.
Even more alarming about the trade today regards Jay Bouwmeester. Should he be happy the team bolstered its defense, or upset that his captain was traded away with little offense left to carry the load? To lose Olli and Jay in the same off season would be tremendously upsetting to a shrinking fan base that is sick of sub-standard performance.
Do you think this deal opens up room for the Panthers to be active in finding offense in free agency?
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»