Before the craziness of the holidays set in (if they haven’t for you already), I wanted to get a quick blog out there…
The unfortunate circumstances that have put the NHL on a brief pause has a lot of folks wondering what’s in store for the remainder of the season. The week-or-so off (we’ll see where we’re at on the 27th) could end up benefiting the Panthers a bit in terms of players currently out of action.
Injury: COVID-19 Status: Expected to be out u til at least 12-27-21
- Radko Gudas - Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Aaron Ekblad - Brandon Montour - Frank Vatrano - Ryan Lomberg
Injury: Undisclosed
- Sergei Bobvrosky (day-to-day) - Alexander Barkov (expected to be out until at least 12-27-21) - Mamin Maxim (day-to-day) - Noel Acciari (Expected to be out until at least 1-4-22)
Injury: Illness
- Gustav Forsling (day-to-day)
Injury: Upper Body
- Mason Marchment (expected to be out until at least 12-27-21)
I would expect the majority of guys to be back when play resumes, but you can see from the above that that’s a significant percentage of the roster sidelined. I’m guessing the Cats (and many other teams) wouldn’t have even been very competitive as of late with various spots filled by AHLers - especially with the way the Panthers were playing prior to the pause.
The most important thing for everyone is that the current situation calms down (and hopefully soon). But with things feeling kind of up-in-the-air with this season now, I’m sure a lot of GMs are scrambling.
- What if the season goes through more starts and stops? - What if it gets shortened? - What if makeup games can’t be done? - How does all this affect the trade deadline (which will be here before we know it in March) and the decisions a team makes when it comes to this?
I think the last question is the most intriguing. How do teams plan for the TDL? It can be a total risk/gamble/unknown during a normal season, but with this crazy blip we’re experiencing, I would imagine it’s even crazier.
And so Zito has a lot to think about…
In arguably their most successful season since entering the league, the Panthers have found themselves on shaky ground lately with their play, injuries and COVID (much like every other team). Zito surely knows he cannot have another first round exit. In my opinion, he simply needs to make a splash at the deadline. The Cats have to part with some guys/prospects/picks to get the pieces they need for the playoffs. Personally, I would start in AZ with trying to get Chychrun. Rumor is he’s available and they’re asking a lot, but that’s the cost of doing business. We can discuss this one more after the holidays…
On top of knowing he has to strengthen this roster through trade to ensure playoff success, Zito also has the minor (sarcasm) issue of finding a head coach.
When Q departed, I thought the combination of Brunette being around this team/in the Q system and the respect the team has for him and their talent on the ice, would carry them the rest of the season. But I don’t feel as strongly as I did before.
It’s nothing against Brunette, he’s probably best in an assistant role. I think this team needs a bonafide head coach. A guy that’s been in that position for years and knows what to do, how to win and can tell the GM what he needs to ensure success. Look at the instant change Bruce Boudreau brought to the Canucks. I mean…talk about night and day. They went on something like a six-game winning streak when he came in before the pause hit.
I know Zito had said they were going to take their time and be deliberate before making a coaching hire, but the clock is ticking, man! I’m getting kind of antsy - especially with the rather shocking news of Paul Maurice stepping down in Winnipeg. I hope Zito was on the phone immediately with him to see if he would be a fit for Florida.
I’ll be honest, guys…Zito needs to deliver in two major ways for me this season:
1. Hire a head coach 2. Go all-in. Yes, it will cost you, but it needs to happen. This team needs defense, some sandpaper, and a legit backup. Zito has gained notoriety for making under-the-radar moves that pan out, but I need to see something of significance that brings the needed pieces in. If that means moving current guys, prospects and picks, so be it. I don’t want to see the same lineup come the playoffs (if they stay on pace). Just my opinion.
How do you guys feel?
If Zito doesn’t accomplish these two things, should we begin to think he’s a good GM in terms of evaluating and bringing in talent that teams overlook, but stalls/struggles to make the big decisions? ________________________
I hope all of you out there have a safe and great holiday!
As always…Go Panthers!