Quick update to add to the blog from earlier this morning...
According to George Richards of the Athletic, the Panthers have re-signed forward Frank Vatrano to a 3-year extension with an annual cap hit of $2.53 million.
I really like this deal. Vatrano has the "shoot first" mentality to help the Cats and he's tallied 33 points (20 goals, 13 assists) in 59 games this season.
Good work, Dale.
_________________________________________
As you probably know, there has been some movement in Florida ahead of the trade deadline this upcoming Monday (2-25-19).
The team asked forward Mike Hoffman to provide a 10-team no-trade list as part of his NTC.
Per The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun's Twitter on Thursday:
"It is a No list. Doesn't mean he will be traded but obviously teams are calling so Panthers need to be ready."
I don't doubt there are a number of teams in the playoff hunt (or who have already locked up a spot) that are interested in Hoffman's services. He's been solid since coming to Florida in the three-team trade that took him out of Ottawa, to San Jose and ultimately Florida. He's amassed 50 points in 59 games and is inching closer to his career-high of 61 (2016-2017) and is on pace for a 30-goal season.
I really like Hoffy in a Panthers sweater and do not want to see him get moved - though, if the right deal came along, I guess you have to pull the trigger. I think he fits this Florida team really well and has been a key fixture/bright spot in a disappointing season thus far.
While many experts don't expect him to be traded since he'll be a UFA in 2020, making him more than a half-season rental and something most teams probably don't want to do. Add to that his $5.65 million salary and there's an even better chance he stays in Florida...but you just never know.
Enter Vincent Praplan
Yesterday the Cats acquired forward Vincent Praplan from the the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations.
I like the move, though I would have been more stoked if it involved a defenseman. Regardless, it feels like a very low-risk-potential-reward type move that can help create some overall team depth. The only concern I've read about him so far is that he seems to have battled some injuries. Since being back on North American ice, he's produced 4 goals and 12 assists in 27 games with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL.
It sounds like the Panthers believe the 24-year old, 6' 190" lbs Swiss player will continue to develop his game and will be doing so for the Springfield Thunderbirds for now.
Going Forward
The Cats face off against the Los Angeles Kings tonight in what feels like a battle of the basement dwellers. The Kings sit at a lowly 50 points, while the Panthers have 60; going 3-4-3 in their past 10 games.
Florida is now 11 points behind the Penguins for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
So...things are pretty bleak.
The loss to Carolina on Thursday was tough. Say what you will about the officiating, the bottom line (cuz Stone Cold said so) is that giving the opposition - especially one that's been hot lately like CAR - eight Power Plays can certainly be a recipe for disaster. That was 16 minutes of man advantages awarded to the opposition. Think about that...it's almost an entire period of the other team having one or two extra guys on the ice.
Even though the defeat at the hands of the Hurricanes was a costly one, there was some bright spots; namely the second period where the Panthers scored three goals in a row to take the lead at 3-2. And of course there was another unreal goal from Barkov on a wild hot pass from Dadonov.
This is a positive of this club as of late. They seem to be able to score at will and their big guns are rolling. It's the inconsistency (in a couple specific areas) that has been maddening- especially during the first half of the season. Let's face it, that first half is what may be dagger to them this year.
Try to stay positive.
Until Thursday night, the Cats were on a three-game winning streak. They can realistically snap off another set of wins...but it has to to start tonight with LA.
As I mentioned earlier, the Kings have been awful this year and come into town fresh off a loss to Nashville, extending their losing streak to six, and having just traded speedy (but struggling) forward Carl Hagelin to the Washington Capitals for picks.
They're in full-blown rebuild mode and there's not a better opportunity to pounce on an opponent and have a solid rebound game than there is tonight.
The Panthers need to continue executing the fundamentals and have a solid, convincing win to end this long home stand before heading West.
Just one more thing...try to stay out of the box, guys!
Go Cats!