Call him what you want: Lazy, underachieving, disinterested, overrated, future star, etc. Nathan Horton's time as a Panther is apparently coming to an end. Both Buffalo and Boston have been rumored to be destinations for the talented, yet streaky winger/center. Tim Connolly or Derek Roy would be coming back to the Panthers in all likelihood (probably Connolly, because of better size) from Buffalo to fill the #1 center position, moving Weiss to the 2nd line where he belongs. But a deal with Boston becomes much more interesting regarding the draft.

lt's no secret the Panthers need a marquis name and a star to build around for the future, and outside of Hall or Seguin there is no such player in this draft on face value. Randy Sexton did a good job of stockpiling picks for this draft as the Panthers have four of the top 50 picks. So the question becomes how possible is it for Tallon to swing a deal that gets Boston and Florida to swap the #2 and #3 picks, and also trading Horton?

The top 10 or 12 players in this draft are very good so Boston will get good value for such a trade and probably be able to pick up another one of the Panthers' picks in the second round. Maybe more. If Tallon were able to achieve this, Panther fans should be rejoicing that a mover and shaker for the better is finally on the case. Seguin would be quite the nice addition, and I personally wouldn't know what to do with myself if this scenario became reality.

Back to Horton, it really is a shame it's come to this. The guy has all the gifts and talents in the world. When he plays mean it's a joy to watch. When he's on his game he truly is one of the budding stars of this league. But how often have we seen it? If Seidenberg doesn't break Horton's leg with a dump in shot last year are we having this discussion? Horton was arguably the best player on the team at that point and may have had his best year statistically.

Tallon has repeatedly said, as you can see with the Blackhawks, it's about character, character, character. Does Horton fit that mold? Sadly I will say yes, but half the time. Taking nights off is simply not an option here anymore, something Horton has done way too many times.

The fans didn't want this. We all wanted Nathan to become the player we know he can be. He has a lethal wrister, good speed/size, and has the propensity to mix it up with the opposition, but he may just be the likeliest of candidates for the good ole "change of scenery would be good for all involved."

While nothing is finalized, it makes sense to let him go. If a culture change is in order, it would seem he would be at the top of the list to move since he's one of the "best" (and expensive) players on the team yet cares at his discretion. Can you imagine if you put David Booth's heart in Horton's body? Wow, now that would be something...

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