The contract itself is no risk for the Panthers.
If the team feels like they should play more kids, then just do it.
It is still a mystery!
How can a professional hockey player loose all his hockey sense like Gomez?
Anyway, being a Habs fan... I'm happy this chapter is over!

As has been said, Intangibles...

As has been said, Intangibles...
- the_dough_boy

Good move by Tallon. Gomez isn't taking ice time away from a kid, he sees kids that aren't ready for it yet (Bjugstad?). At 900K, it's not even a roll of the dice. As for "old guys" like Campbell and Weaver, those guys still offer up what they're paid to do. Everyone was looking for a campbell playoff trade last year. Jovo was another story, and has been hashed and rehashed here before. Gomez at 33 still has a chance to do something, he's a multi-millionaire spending a winter in Ft Lauderdale Fl, it's up to him if he wants to spend a few more, maybe he'll surprise some people, and at only 900 K, I'll be glad to take a look at a two time cup winner on my team.

Good move by Tallon. Gomez isn't taking ice time away from a kid, he sees kids that aren't ready for it yet (Bjugstad?). At 900K, it's not even a roll of the dice. As for "old guys" like Campbell and Weaver, those guys still offer up what they're paid to do. Everyone was looking for a campbell playoff trade last year. Jovo was another story, and has been hashed and rehashed here before. Gomez at 33 still has a chance to do something, he's a multi-millionaire spending a winter in Ft Lauderdale Fl, it's up to him if he wants to spend a few more, maybe he'll surprise some people, and at only 900 K, I'll be glad to take a look at a two time cup winner on my team.
- PanthersGoal

That's how I feel about it too. No risk at all and it let's our prospects get a little time in the AHL.

I think he has a lot to prove because he knows if he doesn't get things back on track his career is over. And who knows maybe there is a future for him and us. And if there isn't he will be gone next year and a more experienced bjugstad or Trocheck takes his spot.

Good move by Tallon. Gomez isn't taking ice time away from a kid, he sees kids that aren't ready for it yet (Bjugstad?). At 900K, it's not even a roll of the dice. As for "old guys" like Campbell and Weaver, those guys still offer up what they're paid to do. Everyone was looking for a campbell playoff trade last year. Jovo was another story, and has been hashed and rehashed here before. Gomez at 33 still has a chance to do something, he's a multi-millionaire spending a winter in Ft Lauderdale Fl, it's up to him if he wants to spend a few more, maybe he'll surprise some people, and at only 900 K, I'll be glad to take a look at a two time cup winner on my team.
- PanthersGoal

900k is a steal when you consider our ownership throwing big bucks at guys who are closer to retirement than in their primes. Gomez will get his assists and make someone on his line a lot better. Lets also face facts, this team isn't any better or worse with Gomez here. Is he better than Mueller? The same? This team hasn't gotten better this off season. Can't wait to see who we lose the lottery pick to next season.

Total dud. The guy grew up in Alaska! He will get himself pumped up with a little jimmy buffet. Gomez needs the cold- if he went to the peg then he would pot 20 and get 40+ helpers. In Florida he is a wash out hitting the clubs! Will make obrien look like a light weight.

900k is a steal when you consider our ownership throwing big bucks at guys who are closer to retirement than in their primes. Gomez will get his assists and make someone on his line a lot better. Lets also face facts, this team isn't any better or worse with Gomez here. Is he better than Mueller? The same? This team hasn't gotten better this off season. Can't wait to see who we lose the lottery pick to next season.
- floridapanthers4ev

Can't really compare Mueller to Gomez considering Mueller was on wing and Gomez is a center. Not to mention we could still resign Mueller and end up with both and not just one or the other, even if it's a slim chance that we resign him.
As far as lotto pick, once again you're just spewing your unwarrented hatred towards the Panthers. Who's to say we're a lotto team once again? I know,on paper, the team doesn't look like a winner but we do have talent. Huberdeau,Barkov,Versteeg,Flash,Kopecky,Bergy,Goc,Campbell,Guds,Kuli,Petro,Gomez,Jovo,Weaver, and Markstrom. Again, we have older vets and we have some pretty fresh rookies but that doesn't mean with a healthy roster,we can't find winning and we can't find the post season.

Can't really compare Mueller to Gomez considering Mueller was on wing and Gomez is a center. Not to mention we could still resign Mueller and end up with both and not just one or the other, even if it's a slim chance that we resign him.
As far as lotto pick, once again you're just spewing your unwarrented hatred towards the Panthers. Who's to say we're a lotto team once again? I know,on paper, the team doesn't look like a winner but we do have talent. Huberdeau,Barkov,Versteeg,Flash,Kopecky,Bergy,Goc,Campbell,Guds,Kuli,Petro,Gomez,Jovo,Weaver, and Markstrom. Again, we have older vets and we have some pretty fresh rookies but that doesn't mean with a healthy roster,we can't find winning and we can't find the post season.
- pantherfan12

our division almost guarantees us a top 5 pick. Panthers can't skate with Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit and Ottawa. Might have some luck vs Tampa and Buffalo that's about it, not to mention the travel this team will have. Mix all that in with the young guys who aren't accustomed to a full 82 game schedule. Huby isn't even accustomed to a full season. That pretty much sums it up and our goaltending situation isn't a complete lock either. Markstrom can look great and poopty all at once. Have faith though, maybe a miracle can happen lol bahhahahahaha

our division almost guarantees us a top 5 pick. Panthers can't skate with Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit and Ottawa. Might have some luck vs Tampa and Buffalo that's about it, not to mention the travel this team will have. Mix all that in with the young guys who aren't accustomed to a full 82 game schedule. Huby isn't even accustomed to a full season. That pretty much sums it up and our goaltending situation isn't a complete lock either. Markstrom can look great and poopty all at once. Have faith though, maybe a miracle can happen lol bahhahahahaha
- floridapanthers4ev

The only team that worries me is Detroit.

EDIT: I should say that the Sens are annoying to play against as well.

The only team that worries me is Detroit.

EDIT: I should say that the Sens are annoying to play against as well.
- Panthers88

I don't see how Montreal and Toronto are now BIG threats. They both finished near the bottom the year before and made the playoffs in a shorten season.

Detroit still is a really strong team but how much longer is that going to last. And Boston just moved a lot of players out. Still are a great team but it's not like we don't stand a chance.

And the you have the Sens that's a different story, they always have our number just like we have Tampa.

I don't see how Montreal and Toronto are now BIG threats. They both finished near the bottom the year before and made the playoffs in a shorten season.

Detroit still is a really strong team but how much longer is that going to last. And Boston just moved a lot of players out. Still are a great team but it's not like we don't stand a chance.

And the you have the Sens that's a different story, they always have our number just like we have Tampa.
- Crazycaboose

If we stay healthy.. of course we will be down Versteeg for a while.. we can be a dangerous team.

He's a waste, and at 33 he's an old waste. Tallon preaches playing young guys and turns around and signs this old fart who will probable take ice time away from a young guy. If you're going to go young then go young, we got enough old guys like Jovo, Campbell, Weaver and others.
- harveykline

Great move Tallon, we now have Crabb, Butler, Gomez and now PINIZZOTTO. Hell of a summer

I don't see how Montreal and Toronto are now BIG threats. They both finished near the bottom the year before and made the playoffs in a shorten season.

Detroit still is a really strong team but how much longer is that going to last. And Boston just moved a lot of players out. Still are a great team but it's not like we don't stand a chance.

And the you have the Sens that's a different story, they always have our number just like we have Tampa.
- Crazycaboose

All 30 teams could turn out to be threats. As you mention, Toronto and Montreal were out of the playoffs the year before and made it this year. It's anyone's game at this point and we, as fan, can only share our opinions on who can be dominant and who will be last.

With that being said, here is my prediction for the upcoming season in the east.

Elite teams
Bruins - NYR - Pittsburgh - Detroit

High expectation teams (due to last season).
NYI - Toronto
*** They both will have a lot of pressure to make a repeat and make the playoffs again.

Middle pack teams (at least one of them will make the playoffs, because it's always like that)
Washington - Montreal - Philadelphia

Wait and see teams (they had a huge change recently and who knows how they will perform this year)
Ottawa - New Jersey - Tampa Bay

As for the rest of the east teams, it is not impossible to make a impact but if this happens, it will come as a surprise. Nothing is really expected from them.

Of course, this is only my opinion.

All 30 teams could turn out to be threats. As you mention, Toronto and Montreal were out of the playoffs the year before and made it this year. It's anyone's game at this point and we, as fan, can only share our opinions on who can be dominant and who will be last.

With that being said, here is my prediction for the upcoming season in the east.

Elite teams
Bruins - NYR - Pittsburgh - Detroit

High expectation teams (due to last season).
NYI - Toronto
*** They both will have a lot of pressure to make a repeat and make the playoffs again.

Middle pack teams (at least one of them will make the playoffs, because it's always like that)
Washington - Montreal - Philadelphia

Wait and see teams (they had a huge change recently and who knows how they will perform this year)
Ottawa - New Jersey - Tampa Bay

As for the rest of the east teams, it is not impossible to make a impact but if this happens, it will come as a surprise. Nothing is really expected from them.

Of course, this is only my opinion.
- Tripple_B9

I agree with most of what you say. But thats just my point our new division isn't crazy good. I think anyone stands a good chance of making the show besides Buffalo right now.

I agree with most of what you say. But thats just my point our new division isn't crazy good. I think anyone stands a good chance of making the show besides Buffalo right now.
- Crazycaboose

Well with the new format to clinch a playoffs spot, it would go as follow:

Top 3 teams: Bruins - Wings - ???

- Sabres are out of the picture

Remaining teams: Panthers - Habs - Leafs - Lightning - Senators

The last 2 spots is unpredictable as it's the next highest-placed finishers in each conference. Good luck predicting that!!!

So my third pick for top 3 in the Atlantic division is: I don't know

I really don't know who to pick. Who do you pick?

Well with the new format to clinch a playoffs spot, it would go as follow:

Top 3 teams: Bruins - Wings - ???

- Sabres are out of the picture

Remaining teams: Panthers - Habs - Leafs - Lightning - Senators

The last 2 spots is unpredictable as it's the next highest-placed finishers in each conference. Good predicting that!!!

So my third pick for top 3 in the Atlantic division is: I don't know

I really don't know who to pick. What is your?
- Tripple_B9

Bruins Wings Habs Leafs Sens

Bruins Wings Habs Leafs Sens
- BingoLady

Top 3 teams to make the playoffs. You named 5???

Top 3 teams to make the playoffs. You named 5???
- Tripple_B9

in order so Habs 3rd

How's wildcard work again?

in order so Habs 3rd

How's wildcard work again?
- BingoLady

And that would make it a successful season for Bergevin if that happen. But as much as I would like to see that happen, I have my reason to believe that the Habs will be fighting for a playoff spot this upcoming season. Briere will be fun to watch but is not the element needed.

I'm sorry what do you mean by wildcard?

Top 3 teams to make the playoffs. You named 5???
- Tripple_B9

Really tough to call, outside of Boston I'm not sure.

Detroit will most likely make it they almost always do.

And if I had to pick a third team I would say the Ottawa as of right now.

I wish I could really say how the cats will do next year but at the moment I'm not sure what team I'm getting. We might challenge for a spot but if Barkov most likely as our number 1 center. Things don't look great right now unless he is amazing.

Really tough to call, outside of Boston I'm not sure.

Detroit will most likely make it they almost always do.

And if I had to pick a third team I would say the Ottawa as of right now.

I wish I could really say how the cats will do next year but at the moment I'm not sure what team I'm getting. We might challenge for a spot but if Barkov most likely as our number 1 center. Things don't look great right now unless he is amazing.
- Crazycaboose

Many says that Ottawa will feel Alfredson departure. All eyes are on Spezza to lead the team. I am not sure it is something Spezza can do. Karlsson will have to be stellar and Anderson at his best all season in order for the Sens to make it.
Not impossible but not easy task.

As for the Cats, Barkov could make it interesting but you guys need more grit. Your best bet I think would be to play hard style of hockey. To be that kind of team that is very difficult to play against. I don't see both Florida teams making it, so make sure to be on top of Tampa when ever you play them.

Thinking again and my 3rd vote goes to the Habs. Not because it's my team but because I don't think the Leafs are there yet and Sens are going in without Alfie for the first time.

Many says that Ottawa will feel Alfredson departure. All eyes are on Spezza to lead the team. I am not sure it is something Spezza can do. Karlsson will have to be stellar and Anderson at his best all season in order for the Sens to make it.
Not impossible but not easy task.

As for the Cats, Barkov could make it interesting but you guys need more grit. Your best bet I think would be to play hard style of hockey. To be that kind of team that is very difficult to play against. I don't see both Florida teams making it, so make sure to be on top of Tampa when ever you play them.

Thinking again and my 3rd vote goes to the Habs. Not because it's my team but because I don't think the Leafs are there yet and Sens are going in without Alfie for the first time.
- Tripple_B9

Alfie is at the end of his career so it's no huge loss. I think Ryan can easily fill the spot. But it's really going to come down to Anderson. IMO

And that would make it a successful season for Bergevin if that happen. But as much as I would like to see that happen, I have my reason to believe that the Habs will be fighting for a playoff spot this upcoming season. Briere will be fun to watch but is not the element needed.

I'm sorry what do you mean by wildcard?
- Tripple_B9

Top three teams make it. Then it comes down to points for the last two spots. One division can have either 3 teams make it, 4 teams make it, or 5 teams make it. For example, if in the Metro (lol) division it's PIT 105 pts, NYR 100 pts, NJD 98 pts, NYI 97 pts, PHI 86 pts, WSH 85 pts, and CAR 80 pts, CLB 78 pts.. and in the Atlantic division looks like BOS 109 pts, MTL 108 pts, DET 96pts, OTT 95 pts, TOR 94 pts, FLA 93 pts, TBL 90 pts, and BUF 82 pts... the teams to make the playoffs are the first three in each division so Pit, NYR, NJD, BOS, MTL, and Det. After that it will go by point totals for the last two spots. So NYI and Ott take the last two, or "wild card", spots.

As far as seeding goes, I think it ends up being:

Bos (#1 overall) v. Ott (WC2)
Mtl(#2) v. Det (#3)
Pit (#1) v. NYI (WC1)
NYR (#2)v. NJD (#3)

I'm pretty sure that's how it goes. It's #1 vs. WC 2 and then #2 vs. #3, then #1 in the other conference vs. WC1 and then #2 vs. #3. It's seriously more complicated than it needs to be. Just make it the top 4 in each conference, damnit!

If we stay healthy.. of course we will be down Versteeg for a while.. we can be a dangerous team.
- Panthers88

steeger is our best offensive vet along with flash.