It was a pleasant sight to see the Florida Panthers start the season playing well for a change, but the style of play was more finesse than grit. GM Dale Tallon could see opposing teams were starting to target the smaller, skilled forwards on the Panthers by pushing them around. A quality tough guy was needed, and on December 7th Tallon traded for UFA Krys Barch from the Dallas Stars.

In his first game as a Panther, December 8th at Boston, he quickly introduced himself to his new teammates by getting into a rousing fight with Shawn Thornton 2:17 into the game.

Barch certainly brought the style of play Tallon and coach Kevin Dineen thought the team needed, and the forwards had to feel they had some protection against teams trying to take liberties.

As the season went on and the numbers game on the roster got more crowded, he received less playing time. In 41 games, he recorded 2 goals, and 3 assists. He was +2 and had 91 penalty minutes.

Fortunately for the Panthers the team was deep enough to roll four lines consistently throughout the season so Barch was able to showcase his skills a bit more than he would on other rosters. While it may look like a simple decision to let him go, he did show some pretty soft hands for a big guy and he was certainly not a liability in either zone while on the ice.

His $837,500 salary is definitely manageable, and with youngsters Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden likely making the team next year, protection will still be needed. Huberdeau still needs to add size and Howden has had concussion issues over the last few years, so a player like Barch would be a welcomed enforcer.

Sadly the "highlight" of Barch's season was when he allegedly directed a racial slur at P.K. Subban during the New Year's Eve game. Barch was suspended one game because the NHL had to do something to send a message that such conduct, substantiated or not, would not be tolerated.

Barch being a 4th line player probably made it easier for the NHL to levy the suspension, but by his reaction afterwards and the words of those around him, there is no way he said anything derogatory towards Subban that isn't already said amongst all players around the league in the spirit of gamesmanship.

This incident should have nothing to do with whether Barch returns or not to the Panthers. He is well-liked and a typical Tallon guy regarding character in the locker room.

So what say you? Should he stay or should he go?

Twitter @DanSpiegel

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