There's a lot of talk of the Panthers being "deep" in Defensemen and defensive prospects. I never think it's a good idea to over-value prospects.

Look at the Blackhawks...last summer they traded Oduya. Now, I'm not comparing Oduya and Guds, but the point I'm trying to make is that when you move a proven NHL Defensemen, it can leave a massive hole on the blueline. The Hawks suffered (and were often exposed) throughout the season and into the playoffs because of the loss of Johnny O. It became a revolving door with a lot of D pair juggling on the back end--many of the so called "great" Defensive prospects came up and failed to fill the void.

Defense is the toughest position for young players to learn how to play at the NHL level. It also takes the longest for players to develop in. Panthers got lucky that Ekblad was one of those rare talents that could come right in and start producing. That doesn't happen often and if fans think that will be the case with their many prospects, I would warn them to be ready for potential disappointment.

In my opinion, Gudbranson, a dying breed of big/physical Defenseman could have been a staple and "core" guy for the Panthers for many years to come.

Gudbranson is a top two defenseman. He brings limited offensive capabilities, but on the pk he can clear out the goalie area as well as shutdown top offensive play makers. He is a one-way defenseman, but he is exceptional at that one part.

I know everyone thinks Florida won and maybe I'm wrong, but Florida gave up a hell of a player for the possibility of a solid winger.
- colgonics

Top two? Maybe in the ahl. He'll be in Vancouver's top 4 because they have no depth, but with picks...this is a bad trade for the canucks.

There's a lot of talk of the Panthers being "deep" in Defensemen and defensive prospects. I never think it's a good idea to over-value prospects.

Look at the Blackhawks...last summer they traded Oduya. Now, I'm not comparing Oduya and Guds, but the point I'm trying to make is that when you move a proven NHL Defensemen, it can leave a massive hole on the blueline. The Hawks suffered (and were often exposed) throughout the season and into the playoffs because of the loss of Johnny O. It became a revolving door with a lot of D pair juggling on the back end--many of the so called "great" Defensive prospects came up and failed to fill the void.

Defense is the toughest position for young players to learn how to play at the NHL level. It also takes the longest for players to develop in. Panthers got lucky that Ekblad was one of those rare talents that could come right in and start producing. That doesn't happen often and if fans think that will be the case with their many prospects, I would warn them to be ready for potential disappointment.

In my opinion, Gudbranson, a dying breed of big/physical Defenseman could have been a staple and "core" guy for the Panthers for many years to come.
- Hank3Henshaw

See Petrovic, Alexander. He developed at a better pace than Guds last season and that's why Guds was traded. They are virtually identical in style, but Petro throws the puck to the net a lot more and had a better playoffs. I think that's why the trade was done. Surely the team wants to target free agents this off season and is trying really hard to bring Campbell back.

Top two? Maybe in the ahl. He'll be in Vancouver's top 4 because they have no depth, but with picks...this is a bad trade for the canucks.
- Isles_since_6

You are 100% correct. He can log some minutes, but he doesn't have the speed to go out there against top guys.

There's a lot of talk of the Panthers being "deep" in Defensemen and defensive prospects. I never think it's a good idea to over-value prospects.

Look at the Blackhawks...last summer they traded Oduya. Now, I'm not comparing Oduya and Guds, but the point I'm trying to make is that when you move a proven NHL Defensemen, it can leave a massive hole on the blueline. The Hawks suffered (and were often exposed) throughout the season and into the playoffs because of the loss of Johnny O. It became a revolving door with a lot of D pair juggling on the back end--many of the so called "great" Defensive prospects came up and failed to fill the void.

Defense is the toughest position for young players to learn how to play at the NHL level. It also takes the longest for players to develop in. Panthers got lucky that Ekblad was one of those rare talents that could come right in and start producing. That doesn't happen often and if fans think that will be the case with their many prospects, I would warn them to be ready for potential disappointment.

In my opinion, Gudbranson, a dying breed of big/physical Defenseman could have been a staple and "core" guy for the Panthers for many years to come.
- Hank3Henshaw

Dying breed with long term sustainability. Makes sense.

Gudbranson a top 2 dman?
Guys that can hit are "goons"?

How can you ensure nothing but donk posts? Have a trade between the Panthers and the Canucks.

Gudbranson a top 2 dman?
Guys that can hit are "goons"?

How can you ensure nothing but donk posts? Have a trade between the Panthers and the Canucks.
- truthservedcold

the oilers traded more for a worse defender and ended up as the 2nd worst team.

See Petrovic, Alexander. He developed at a better pace than Guds last season and that's why Guds was traded. They are virtually identical in style, but Petro throws the puck to the net a lot more and had a better playoffs. I think that's why the trade was done. Surely the team wants to target free agents this off season and is trying really hard to bring Campbell back.
- Panthers88

Oh, yea, I'm sure they'll target free agents, but I just don't know how many "quality" Defensemen will be on the market. Might have to scoop up an aging veteran, you know. But, then again, the Panthers have money and are never shy at splashing it. So, it'll be interesting to see what they do this summer

Gudbranson was horrible. great trade for the Cats.

See Petrovic, Alexander. He developed at a better pace than Guds last season and that's why Guds was traded. They are virtually identical in style, but Petro throws the puck to the net a lot more and had a better playoffs. I think that's why the trade was done. Surely the team wants to target free agents this off season and is trying really hard to bring Campbell back.
- Panthers88

I almost said this exact same thing to you last off-season or two ago, and you went off about how Gudbranson was really good.

Gudbranson a top 2 dman?
Guys that can hit are "goons"?

How can you ensure nothing but donk posts? Have a trade between the Panthers and the Canucks.
- truthservedcold

Gudbranson is horrible, but Reinhart is worst.

Gudbranson is a top two defenseman. He brings limited offensive capabilities, but on the pk he can clear out the goalie area as well as shutdown top offensive play makers. He is a one-way defenseman, but he is exceptional at that one part.

I know everyone thinks Florida won and maybe I'm wrong, but Florida gave up a hell of a player for the possibility of a solid winger.
- colgonics

A top-two defenseman?????? lol

Gudbranson is horrible, but Reinhart is worst.
- Blackstrom2

Dude hasn't even played 40 games yet! My hopes are not particularly high but lets give the poor (frank)er a chance.

"female Panther fans (yes, there are TONS of them)."

So, there's like 6 or 7?



Just playin'

Top 2 defenseman? He was thoroughly out-played nearly all season and definitely in the playoffs by Alex Petrovic. And when on Earth did he ever shut down a top opposing play maker? He never saw the ice with those types of guys.
- Panthers88

Yup. Good post. As much as I liked him, and would have been ok had he stayed, he's always battling nit picky injuries, he'll take too many dumb penalties, and the one year deal scared me. He's not top 2 and he's not a 5 mil player. Good solid deal for us.

"female Panther fans (yes, there are TONS of them)."

So, there's like 6 or 7?

- Vanoxy

Yeah, because south Florida regularly battles the BC area over beautiful women. Douche post, pal.

Gudbranson is horrible, but Reinhart is worst.
- Blackstrom2

The guy still has time to develop, but if he doesn't fix his skating he will never amount past a Bottom pair. Think Girardi.

The guy still has time to develop, but if he doesn't fix his skating he will never amount past a Bottom pair. Think Girardi.
- Danformo

in fairness, girardi had a very rough year but prior to that had been a very solid defenseman for the rangers.

Top two? Maybe in the ahl. He'll be in Vancouver's top 4 because they have no depth, but with picks...this is a bad trade for the canucks.
- Isles_since_6

Matt Hunwick is a top 2 dman if they apply some of the logic thats been floating around these threads

Matt Hunwick is a top 2 dman if they apply some of the logic thats been floating around these threads
- DDM-Coga

benning is doing a wonderful job of tossing extra draft picks into trades to make sure he has less to do before the ufa period.

Love the trade if we do something big with the our picks for the defense. Cannot go into the season with Mathison, mccoshen, kulikov, Ekblad, Petrovic and kampfer

I almost said this exact same thing to you last off-season or two ago, and you went off about how Gudbranson was really good.
- Blackstrom2

Well two seasons ago I'd smack your mother if you suggested we keep Petrovic over Gudbranson.

Love the trade if we do something big with the our picks for the defense. Cannot go into the season with Mathison, mccoshen, kulikov, Ekblad, Petrovic and kampfer
- harveykline

Very true. McCoshen won't be ready for the jump just yet. Top 3 is set with Ekblad, Matheson, and Kulikov, though. Matheson and Ekblad were just an amazing pairing last season.

Dave Bolland's worth more than Gudbranson (aka best signing of the decade next to Ryane Clowe)

Dave Bolland's worth more than Gudbranson (aka best signing of the decade next to Ryane Clowe)
- PapaSquat

Bolland is going to be bounced as well.