Ekblad Update
Aaron Ekblad is out of the World Cup of Hockey after a questionable hit into the glass by Finland's Leo Komarov. He wanted to stay in Toronto with his teammates, but he is heading back to South Florida.
Ekblad signed the richest contract in franchise history this offseason, and it certainly makes sense to hold him out of remainder of this exhibition.
A cheap hit by Matt Hendricks last year in Edmonton sidelined Ekblad for four games with concussion-like symptoms, which surely plays into the decision to hold him out of the rest of the tournament.
Panther fans were holding their breath when the news broke of concussion-like symptoms after the Komarov hit, but all reports are that it is very mild, he's fine, and he should remain on schedule for camp with the Panthers.
Regardless, all teams should start questioning whether they should allow their stars to participate in meaningless tournaments that can jeopardize part or all of their NHL seasons.
The Most Important Contract Of The Offseason
It's been a very busy summer for the Florida Panthers.
New GM Tom Rowe made it a mission to become more financially sound as an organization while simultaneously strengthening team weaknesses.
On paper, he succeeded on all accounts.
Jonathan Huberdeau's extension for 6 years, $35.4 million extension signed earlier this month was the last domino to fall in an offseason that locked up NINE players until at least 2021.
That is unprecedented commitment to such a large number of players.
Here is the current breakdown of long term contracts:
Aaron Ekblad, 20 years old - 8 years, $60 million
Keith Yandle, 30 years old - 7 years, $44.45 million
Jonathan Huberdeau, 23 years old - 6 years, $35.4 million
Aleksander Barkov, 21 years old - 6 years, $35.4 million
Vincent Trocheck, 23 years old - 6 years, $$28.5 million
Reilly Smith, 25 years old - 5 years, $25 million
Nick Bjugstad, 24 years old - 6 years, $24.6 million
Jason Demers, 28 years old - 5 years, $22.5 million
James Reimer, 28 years old - 5 years, $17 million
Not included on this list is Roberto Luongo, who is making $5.33 million annually and is signed through 2022. He is also 37 years old and recovering from offseason hip surgery, which reveals the most important signing this summer...
...James Reimer.
Not only did Rowe sign a goaltender with the talent to be the #1 goaltender on most teams, but he got him at a very reasonable price.
Luongo is no spring chicken and it will be interesting to see if he plays out his entire contract.
After years of boasting the best farm system in the NHL, the Panthers are now bereft of top end talent in the system because of the mass promotions of the young kids to the big club. For all the Trochecks, Petrovics, and Mathesons in the system, Florida has been weak in the goaltending department for several years.
There were hopes that Jacob Markstrom would be the goalie of the future, but eventually the Panthers ran out of patience on his development, prompting the trade for Luongo.
Luongo has been incredible between the pipes since returning home, but his age and wear and tear made it imperative that Rowe address the position with someone other than a perennial backup like Al Montoya.
Reimer fits the bill perfectly.
Reports emerged today that Luongo is actually on track to be ready to go for opening night October 13th. It had been widely speculated he might not be ready for the first month of the season, making the signing of Reimer that much more important.
If Louie is ready to go, fantastic. But it was clear at the end of last season he was fatigued. A lighter workload during the regular season will be important to keep him fresh for they playoffs. Assuming good health, don't be surprised to see Reimer get at least 30 starts during the season to give Luongo the rest he needs.
Montoya came through with incredible play when he was called upon in his time with Florida. For stretches the Panthers had the best goaltending tandem in the league. But Reimer has the starting pedigree that makes his signing a huge upgrade for the short and long term.
Should Luongo suffer a major injury or decide to retire in a few years, the signing of Reimer will prove to be one of the best moves Rowe will make as GM. It will also give the Panthers more time to finally find that goaltender of the future, or get one of their current goaltenders in the system ready to go.
With all the change in the organization and money spent this offseason, it's easy to miss the small moves that might make the biggest difference. James Reimer is in the perfect situation to show that kind of value.
Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Media
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