Dan Spiegel: Panthers Are Big Spenders? From Now On, You Bet...

Dan Spiegel: Panthers Are Big Spenders? From Now On, You Bet...
- spiegs13

I'll believe it when I see it...

Is he just going to go on a big ufa spending spree like a couple years ago and overpay a bunch of mediocre talent?

I'll believe it when I see it...

Is he just going to go on a big ufa spending spree like a couple years ago and overpay a bunch of mediocre talent?
- Iggysbff

There is a difference between being a floor team and a cap team. The off season you are referring to saw us as a floor team; we spent to reach the floor. Viola is worth nearly a billion dollars.. we will spend money on real talent.

While I am with you on the "I'll believe it when..." train, I think we finally have an owner who will come through and do it. The time is right. If you surround Huberdeau, Barkov, Bjugstad, Gudbranson, Olsen, etc.. with elite and proven NHL talent, there is no limit as to how far they can take us. If this team was better on the PP we would easily be in a playoff spot. We aren't losing games 5-1 or 6-2.. we are losing close scoring games because we can't get that huge goal when we need it. We don't have that elite scorer. We don't have a game changer.

9 pts from a wildcard spot with a few games at hand.. we have to finish this month strong and win or it's over. I, too, think Tallon will be making some big trades at the deadline. How big, however, will depend on where we are in the standings.

I'd like to add that we still have some sick talent coming up in the likes of Matheson, Trocheck, Rau, Racine, etc..

There is a difference between being a floor team and a cap team. The off season you are referring to saw us as a floor team; we spent to reach the floor. Viola is worth nearly a billion dollars.. we will spend money on real talent.

While I am with you on the "I'll believe it when..." train, I think we finally have an owner who will come through and do it. The time is right. If you surround Huberdeau, Barkov, Bjugstad, Gudbranson, Olsen, etc.. with elite and proven NHL talent, there is no limit as to how far they can take us. If this team was better on the PP we would easily be in a playoff spot. We aren't losing games 5-1 or 6-2.. we are losing close scoring games because we can't get that huge goal when we need it. We don't have that elite scorer. We don't have a game changer.

9 pts from a wildcard spot with a few games at hand.. we have to finish this month strong and win or it's over. I, too, think Tallon will be making some big trades at the deadline. How big, however, will depend on where we are in the standings.

I'd like to add that we still have some sick talent coming up in the likes of Matheson, Trocheck, Rau, Racine, etc..
- Panthers88

Takes 2 sides to trade. Who would give up big pieces right now? and it would be a massive price for said pieces...

Takes 2 sides to trade. Who would give up big pieces right now? and it would be a massive price for said pieces...
- Iggysbff

But it's time to pay the massive price. We have prospects who we can afford to trade now. Guys like Howden and McFarland. Also, this draft class pretty much sucks so if we are in the hunt by months end there is no doubt in my mind Tallon looks to move his 1st rd pick. We also have guys like Kulikov, Fleischman, etc.. that are up for grabs.

Takes 2 sides to trade. Who would give up big pieces right now? and it would be a massive price for said pieces...
- Iggysbff

For one I think the oilers would. No chance at making the playoffs and desperately needs a new look in the locker room, so maybe getting rid of some guys is what the oilers need (gagner , hemsky, yakupov, etc...)

For one I think the oilers would. No chance at making the playoffs and desperately needs a new look in the locker room, so maybe getting rid of some guys is what the oilers need (gagner , hemsky, yakupov, etc...)
- Panthers4life

The Oilers wouldn't give them up for picks and prospects though. That is all others would want to give. I'm ok with trading any of those guys, but the return has to be significant and help now.

But it's time to pay the massive price. We have prospects who we can afford to trade now. Guys like Howden and McFarland. Also, this draft class pretty much sucks so if we are in the hunt by months end there is no doubt in my mind Tallon looks to move his 1st rd pick. We also have guys like Kulikov, Fleischman, etc.. that are up for grabs.
- Panthers88

None of those guys are going to get anything significant back.

None of those guys are going to get anything significant back.
- Iggysbff

Let the Sabres take Kulikov off your hands.........

None of those guys are going to get anything significant back.
- Iggysbff

And you think hemsky yakupov will. Yes gagne will get a decent return but your team is in last place for a reason

Hopefully he's learned his lesson. The first time he was able to spend big bucks in Chicago he brought in Aucoin, Brown and Barnaby. He also overpaid for Khabibulin. Campbell and Huet were McD's picks. Good luck guys.

And you think hemsky yakupov will. Yes gagne will get a decent return but your team is in last place for a reason
- Flamesfan1023

That's a coaching issue. Not a talent issue.

That's a coaching issue. Not a talent issue.
- Hawksfan74

Well, that's now how many coaches in how many years?

Talent, coaching and depth are all issues.

Well, that's now how many coaches in how many years?

Talent, coaching and depth are all issues.
- Viktory

Depth yes. Coaching yes. Talent no. Look at Edmonton's coaching history. They haven't had a decent coach since MacTavish. That team, coached by a competent coach is a decent team. Not a contender or a team capable of making much noise in the postseason, but a decent team.

Dan Spiegel: Panthers Are Big Spenders? From Now On, You Bet...
- spiegs13

Oh yeah? And Grizzly Adams had a beard!

That's a coaching issue. Not a talent issue.
- Hawksfan74

Far more of a defence and goaltending issue than anything actually. The forwards are doing their job for the most part.

Let the Sabres take Kulikov off your hands.........
- raybow33

Done.

I hope Tallon makes an effort to trade for Evander Kane during the trade deadline. He'd be a welcomed addition here.

as for the UFA market coming this off season for the Panthers to finally bring in top/1st line talent, here are the players I would target:

Starting with our own UFA:
Keep: Brad Boyes RW, Mike Weaver D, Tim Thomas (he's been huge, with a good team in front of him he's as good as anyone in the league)

Let go: Marcel Goc (will be dealt at this years deadline), Scott Gomez, Krys Barch, Steven Pinizzotto, Jesse Winchester, Tom Gilbert, Mike Mottau and Scott Clemmensen.

RFA:
Kulikov - I hope they give him a 3 year deal. If not Tallon better get a decent return at the deadline.
Erik Gudbranson - Decent 3-4 year deal for him
Dylan Olsen - Re sign



Ryan Callahan RW 28 years old - This is a no brainer, Tallon has already built a team that is going to win games in the trenches, along the boards. Callahan is the type of leader this team needs. It won't be easy, he'll probably re sign in NY but I'd try every way to bring him to Florida.

Thomas Vanek LW 29 years old - The guy is still young, he's the pure goal scorer this team needs. Not the ideal guy you want but he's good enough to better this teams goals for average.

Danny Cleary LW 34 years old - Need more wingers, a very good veteran to have on this team.

Joe Thorton C 34 years old - Still has some good years left. How serious is this team spending? This will prove they want to win here. You can't have an 18 year old carry the weight of this team and the losing, bringing in a top line veteran centerman would be a huge move and change the identity of this team.

Paul Stastny 27 years old - would be my backup plan for signing a center. Would be upset if Tallon didn't at least try and acquire one of these two fine centers.

Joni Pitkanen 30 years old - I would take a chance on him, he's been hurt the past couple of years so his asking price wont be too high but his ceiling would be the highest just because of the value factor. A few more kids might be ready next year to make the jump so I'd probably just leave it at this, maybe look at a 5th/6th Dman like a Scott Hannan but there might not even be room for adding another dman.

Tallon would free up nearly 7.2 million more if he could somehow trade Brian Campbell at the deadline, at least get half of that off the books with something in return. I'd be welcome to moving him. It's way too much to invest on a guy that doesn't even give you point per game value. 7 million should get you a PPG player or a shutdown dman, both things he's not.

Of course they are willing to spend it while losing a ton of cash....
They'll just sit back and wait for their revenue sharing cheque from the big clubs.
In essence they are spending Toronto, Montreal, New Yorks, etc money.

Of course they are willing to spend it while losing a ton of cash....
They'll just sit back and wait for their revenue sharing cheque from the big clubs.
In essence they are spending Toronto, Montreal, New Yorks, etc money.
- mlindsay

Why don't you do a little re-search on that little $20 million thing and get back to us

I hope Tallon makes an effort to trade for Evander Kane during the trade deadline. He'd be a welcomed addition here.

as for the UFA market coming this off season for the Panthers to finally bring in top/1st line talent, here are the players I would target:

Starting with our own UFA:
Keep: Brad Boyes RW, Mike Weaver D, Tim Thomas (he's been huge, with a good team in front of him he's as good as anyone in the league)

Let go: Marcel Goc (will be dealt at this years deadline), Scott Gomez, Krys Barch, Steven Pinizzotto, Jesse Winchester, Tom Gilbert, Mike Mottau and Scott Clemmensen.

RFA:
Kulikov - I hope they give him a 3 year deal. If not Tallon better get a decent return at the deadline.
Erik Gudbranson - Decent 3-4 year deal for him
Dylan Olsen - Re sign



Ryan Callahan RW 28 years old - This is a no brainer, Tallon has already built a team that is going to win games in the trenches, along the boards. Callahan is the type of leader this team needs. It won't be easy, he'll probably re sign in NY but I'd try every way to bring him to Florida.

Thomas Vanek LW 29 years old - The guy is still young, he's the pure goal scorer this team needs. Not the ideal guy you want but he's good enough to better this teams goals for average.

Danny Cleary LW 34 years old - Need more wingers, a very good veteran to have on this team.

Joe Thorton C 34 years old - Still has some good years left. How serious is this team spending? This will prove they want to win here. You can't have an 18 year old carry the weight of this team and the losing, bringing in a top line veteran centerman would be a huge move and change the identity of this team.

Paul Stastny 27 years old - would be my backup plan for signing a center. Would be upset if Tallon didn't at least try and acquire one of these two fine centers.

Joni Pitkanen 30 years old - I would take a chance on him, he's been hurt the past couple of years so his asking price wont be too high but his ceiling would be the highest just because of the value factor. A few more kids might be ready next year to make the jump so I'd probably just leave it at this, maybe look at a 5th/6th Dman like a Scott Hannan but there might not even be room for adding another dman.

Tallon would free up nearly 7.2 million more if he could somehow trade Brian Campbell at the deadline, at least get half of that off the books with something in return. I'd be welcome to moving him. It's way too much to invest on a guy that doesn't even give you point per game value. 7 million should get you a PPG player or a shutdown dman, both things he's not.
- BallardHitsHard22

Ya know... 99% of the time I want to light you on fire BUT... I agree with this 100%. We will know where we stand as far as this season goes by the end of this month if not sooner. We could see some deals starting to happen soon. I am totally OK with Thomas being brought back. The guy is amazing in net. He isn't letting in bad goals and he fights for EVERYTHING. If we had a decent offense or, hell, a decent PP in front of him, we would be in a playoff spot.

Love Boyes. Enough said. An amazing 2nd/3rd line addition. Weaver I wouldn't mind bringing back BUT he can't be a permanent piece as he is getting older and we have a TON of blue liners coming up.

I don't think Kuli comes back here, so we should be looking to trade him. His Russian status will slow the process up here a bit. May be a sign and trade scenario.

I agree with everyone you said to dump, I would MAYBE keep Winchester, though.

Love the list of FA's. Having a Thornton or Stastny here would be great. Having a wealthy owner in a desirable area of the country will certainly help; especially now that his checks won't bounce. Exciting times ahead for sure.

PS the only way we can move Campbell is if we bring someone else in of similar value. What I mean by that is leadership and durability. He hogs up the minutes and at no point have I ever said "omg Campbell you can't do that...". He's completely responsible. BUT, if we can trade him for a decent piece or two, I think you have to pull the trigger.

Of course they are willing to spend it while losing a ton of cash....
They'll just sit back and wait for their revenue sharing cheque from the big clubs.
In essence they are spending Toronto, Montreal, New Yorks, etc money.
- mlindsay

It's all good, you guys dont spend it to well on yourselves.

Ya know... 99% of the time I want to light you on fire BUT... I agree with this 100%. We will know where we stand as far as this season goes by the end of this month if not sooner. We could see some deals starting to happen soon. I am totally OK with Thomas being brought back. The guy is amazing in net. He isn't letting in bad goals and he fights for EVERYTHING. If we had a decent offense or, hell, a decent PP in front of him, we would be in a playoff spot.

Love Boyes. Enough said. An amazing 2nd/3rd line addition. Weaver I wouldn't mind bringing back BUT he can't be a permanent piece as he is getting older and we have a TON of blue liners coming up.

I don't think Kuli comes back here, so we should be looking to trade him. His Russian status will slow the process up here a bit. May be a sign and trade scenario.

I agree with everyone you said to dump, I would MAYBE keep Winchester, though.

Love the list of FA's. Having a Thornton or Stastny here would be great, let alone a Callahan or Vanek. Having a wealthy owner in a desirable area of the country will certainly help; especially now that his checks won't bounce. Exciting times ahead for sure.

PS the only way we can move Campbell is if we bring someone else in of similar value. What I mean by that is leadership and durability. He hogs up the minutes and at no point have I ever said "omg Campbell you can't do that...". He's completely responsible. BUT, if we can trade him for a decent piece or two, I think you have to pull the trigger.
- Panthers88

It's all good, you guys dont spend it to well on yourselves.
- PanthersGoal

I hope Tallon makes an effort to trade for Evander Kane during the trade deadline. He'd be a welcomed addition here.

as for the UFA market coming this off season for the Panthers to finally bring in top/1st line talent, here are the players I would target:

Starting with our own UFA:
Keep: Brad Boyes RW, Mike Weaver D, Tim Thomas (he's been huge, with a good team in front of him he's as good as anyone in the league)

Let go: Marcel Goc (will be dealt at this years deadline), Scott Gomez, Krys Barch, Steven Pinizzotto, Jesse Winchester, Tom Gilbert, Mike Mottau and Scott Clemmensen.

RFA:
Kulikov - I hope they give him a 3 year deal. If not Tallon better get a decent return at the deadline.
Erik Gudbranson - Decent 3-4 year deal for him
Dylan Olsen - Re sign



Ryan Callahan RW 28 years old - This is a no brainer, Tallon has already built a team that is going to win games in the trenches, along the boards. Callahan is the type of leader this team needs. It won't be easy, he'll probably re sign in NY but I'd try every way to bring him to Florida.

Thomas Vanek LW 29 years old - The guy is still young, he's the pure goal scorer this team needs. Not the ideal guy you want but he's good enough to better this teams goals for average.

Danny Cleary LW 34 years old - Need more wingers, a very good veteran to have on this team.

Joe Thorton C 34 years old - Still has some good years left. How serious is this team spending? This will prove they want to win here. You can't have an 18 year old carry the weight of this team and the losing, bringing in a top line veteran centerman would be a huge move and change the identity of this team.

Paul Stastny 27 years old - would be my backup plan for signing a center. Would be upset if Tallon didn't at least try and acquire one of these two fine centers.

Joni Pitkanen 30 years old - I would take a chance on him, he's been hurt the past couple of years so his asking price wont be too high but his ceiling would be the highest just because of the value factor. A few more kids might be ready next year to make the jump so I'd probably just leave it at this, maybe look at a 5th/6th Dman like a Scott Hannan but there might not even be room for adding another dman.

Tallon would free up nearly 7.2 million more if he could somehow trade Brian Campbell at the deadline, at least get half of that off the books with something in return. I'd be welcome to moving him. It's way too much to invest on a guy that doesn't even give you point per game value. 7 million should get you a PPG player or a shutdown dman, both things he's not.
- BallardHitsHard22

Weaver blows. Gilbert is our best damn. Thomas is old. Give Callahan and Stasney both 6 yr contracts @ 6mil per. Sign Ryan Miller too. By out Jovo. Trade Kulikov.Done