Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Signings and Tippett

July 13, 2019, 9:18 AM ET [17 Comments]
Matt Ross
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
It's been about two weeks since Tallon an co. stayed true to their word and made a splash in free agency. Since that time, there has been a bunch of smaller deals designed to help with organizational depth.

Recapping some of those signings:

Joel Lowry (F): One-Year, Two-Way Contract

If the last name sounds familiar, yes, it's the son of former-Panther Dave Lowry.

Per NHL.com:

"Lowry, 27, appeared in 55 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League, producing 30 points (10-20-30). The 6-foot-2, 192-pound native of Calgary, Alberta has played 66 career games with the Thunderbirds (2017-18 to 2018-19), recording 35 points (13-22-35).

He has played 148 career regular season AHL games, registering 54 points (19-35-54)."


Philippe Desrosiers (G): One-Year, Two-Way Contract

Per NHL.com:

"Desrosiers, 23, appeared in 23 games with the Texas Stars (AHL) owning an 8-11-1 record, .910 save percentage, 2.54 goals against average and one shutout. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound native of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec also appeared in six regular season games with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL posting a 2-3-1 record, a .911 save percentage and 2.76 goals against average.

He has appeared in 43 career AHL games owning a 17-18-1 mark, .909 save percentage, 2.59 goals against average and two shutouts."


Jake Massie (D): Two-Year, Entry-Level Contract

Per NHL.com:

"Massie, 22, appeared in 30 games with the University of Vermont, recording nine points (4-5-9). The 6-foot-2, 177-pound native of Sainte-Lazare, Quebec, played 95 games over three seasons with the Catamounts, producing 23 points (6-17-23).

He was originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the sixth round (156th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft."


Kevin Roy (F): One-Year, Two-Way Contract

Per NHL.com:

"Roy, 26, appeared in three regular season games with the Anaheim Ducks. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound native of Greenfield Park, Quebec, appeared in 11 regular season games with the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, producing five points (1-4-5). Roy played in eight AHL playoff games with San Diego, registering three points (2-1-3).

He has appeared in 28 career NHL regular season games with Anaheim (2017-18 to 2018-19), recording seven points (6-1-7). Over 125 AHL regular season games, Roy has posted 88 points (31-57-88)."


AHL Signings:

Liam Pecararo (F): One-Year, One-Way Contract


Per SpringfieldThunderbirds.com:

"Pecararo, 23, turned pro last spring following his collegiate season with Northeastern University, in which he put up 30 points (11g, 19a) in 37 games for the Huskies. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound forward also previously skated collegiately with the University of Maine. The native of Canton, Mass. picked up his first professional point with an assist in the Thunderbirds' season finale victory at Providence on April 14."

Dylan MacPherson (D): One-Year, One-Way Contract

"MacPherson, 21, also made his professional debut with the Thunderbirds in April after completing his junior career with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers. In 181 games there, MacPherson produced 43 points (6g, 37a) to go along with a +15 rating and 36 penalty minutes. A native of Redcliff, AB, MacPherson also scooped up his first professional point on April 14 against Providence. The blueliner stands 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds."

The Rat Trick

Amidst all the signings on July 1 and the above mentioned ones, I came across and interesting article from our friends over at The Rat Trick with the headline that reads, "Florida Panthers: Should Dale Tallon Consider Trading Owen Tippett?"

My first reaction was this:



But I love these kinds of articles because they sound ridiculous at first glance, yet, they always make you think once you read it. The writer (Austin Lee) also presents some solid thoughts/analysis to back up his column.

There's no doubt about it that Tippett is the most hyped of the Panthers prospects - with Noel seemingly on his heels. There is a lot of excitement about Tippett and many fans are eager for him to become a mainstay on the Cats roster.

But at the end of the day, he's a prospect. I like being excited at the idea of Tippett and what he can bring, but, as with all prospects, I try to remain realistic. We know that all prospectus are just that: prospects. They can be boom, bust or somewhere in between. It's a total gamble - but a fun one.

Sports are rooted in hindsight. If you move Tippett and he becomes an incredible NHL talent, people will always be upset about the trade. If you hang onto him and he's average, or a bust, folks will always think about all the "what if" trade scenarios they presumably could have made to get a haul for him. Actually, when you think about it, people will have an issue with it either way...

That being said, I like a number of the trade ideas presented in the article. Although, I'm not sure Ryan Reaves would be needed since Acciari was signed to fill that role for the Cats. But guys like Cody Eakin, Nikkita Gusev (NHL rights) or Nic Hague are intriguing.

For me, I especially love the Hague thought. As you know, I'm a big fan of his - I even had a little blog about him a couple months back. Yes, like Tippet, Hague is a prospect and who knows how he'll be in the big show, but I personally think he's going to be a solid defenseman at the NHL level with the possibility of being an impact player.

He also makes the most sense to me because he's a defenseman - an area that I think is still shaky. While Tallon helped address the blue line by signing Anton Stralman, the reality is that Stralman is 32. Having a young, promising blue liner like Hague in the system that could be part of the longterm plan would be great in my opinion.

Obviously the money/term is something to think about with guys like Gustev and Eakin, but I imagine Hague gives you a little more freedom in that regard and addresses an organizational need.

While there's probably no way I see Vegas parting with Hague, when it comes to this little theoretical game we're playing for fun, I would be down with some kind of Tippett for Hague deal.

What's your opinion? I always like hearing your guys thoughts about these types of things. Let's pretend you're Tallon...what other moves do you make before the season starts? Who are you targeting and who are you moving out?

Thanks for tuning in and enjoy your weekend.

Go Panthers!
Join the Discussion: » 17 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Matt Ross
» Struggling Panthers vs Struggling Islanders
» Panthers vs Flyers
» Florida vs Nashville: Apex Predator Mascot Showdown
» Woof!, Tampa Tonight, Paul Laus
» Pre-Postseason Taste: Cats vs Canes