Sep 15, 2015
Panthers content with core for postseason chase
The Florida Panthers improved a lot in 2014-2015 and were, surprisingly, in the playoff race until late in the season. What appears to be a problem for the Panthers, however, is that they didn’t make many moves at all this summer, so they have to hope for internal improvement if they are going to get to the postseason.
The Florida Panthers improved a lot in 2014-2015 and were, surprisingly, in the playoff race until late in the season. What appears to be a problem for the Panthers, however, is that they didn’t make many moves at all this summer, so they have to hope for internal improvement if they are going to get to the postseason.
For a team that is hoping for its youth to help them get better, the Panthers are still dependent on aging veterans to lead the team.
In goal, Roberto Luongo keeps the Panthers competitive, as the 36-year-old continues to be an above-average starter.
On defence, 36-year-old Brian Campbell remains a play-driving force, even if he had a few minutes per game knocked off last season. Campbell is complemented at the top of the Panthers’ defensive depth chart by Aaron Ekblad, a 19-year-old coming off a phenomenal rookie campaign. Beyond those two, though, Florida’s defensive depth needs improvement.
While the future (and the present) of Florida’s forward core is built around young centres Aleksander Barkov and Nick Bjugstad, they will also count on production from 43-year-old right winger Jaromir Jagr, who tallied 18 points in 20 games after joining the Panthers last season. Since the Panthers need internal improvement, the performance of young forwards like Jonathan Huberdeau, Brandon Pirri and Vincent Trocheck should play a determining role.
It’s not easy to build a contender on a budget and, as it stands right now, the Panthers are probably going to need some favourable breaks in order to make the playoffs.
OFF-SEASON HEADLINES
July 1: Panthers acquire Reilly Smith, Marc Savard's contract from Bruins
2015-16 FLORIDA PANTHERS
* Off-season addition
Projected Lines
LW | C | RW |
---|---|---|
Jonathan Huberdeau | Aleksander Barkov | Jaromir Jagr |
Brandon Pirri | Nick Bjugstad | Reilly Smith* |
Jussi Jokinen | Dave Bolland | Vincent Trocheck |
Shawn Thornton | Derek MacKenzie | Rocco Grimaldi |
David Booth (PTO) |
Fighting For Jobs: LW Lawson Crouse, LW Martin Havlat (PTO), C Quinton Howden
Projected Pairs
LD | RD |
---|---|
Aaron Ekblad | Brian Campbell |
Dmitry Kulikov | Willie Mitchell |
Eric Gudbranson | Alex Petrovic |
Dylan Olsen |
Fighting For Jobs: RD Steven Kampfer, LD Michael Matheson
Projected Goalies
No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 |
---|---|---|
Roberto Luongo | Al Montoya | Mike McKenna |
Off-season Departures: RW Jimmy Hayes, RW Brad Boyes, D Shane O'Brien, D Jesse Blacker, G Dan Ellis
Projected Lineup: George Richards/The Miami Herald
SERAVALLI'S THREE QUESTIONS
1. Will restricted free agent Jonathan Huberdeau be lured by an offer sheet?
2. Are there enough minutes for first-round pick Lawson Crouse?
3. Do tryouts David Booth and Martin Havlat make the team?
BUTTON'S TOP PROSPECTS
Top 2015-16 Prospect
LW Lawson Crouse (Kingston, OHL): Big, strong powerful winger who has a very mature game and understands how to contribute.
Long-Term Prospect
D Michael Matheson (Boston College, H-East): Excellent skater who needs to continue developing that skill to impact all areas. Competes.
* Listed with 2014-15 teams
BY THE NUMBERS
Three-Year Breakdown (League Rank)
2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | |
---|---|---|---|
Points | 61 (30th)* | 66 (29th) | 91 (20th) |
Goals For | 2.3 (T-29th) | 2.3 (29th) | 2.4 (25th) |
Goals Against | 3.5 (30th) | 3.2 (29th) | 2.6 (16th) |
Power Play | 20% (6th) | 10% (30th) | 16% (24th) |
Penalty Killing | 74% (12th) | 76% (30th) | 80% (24th) |
SAT% Possession | 49.1% (17th) | 51.0% (12th) | 51.3% (15th) |
* 2012-13 points: Pro-rated lockout-shortened total
ESTIMATED PAYROLL vs. CAP - $62.4/$71.4M
The Panthers are a budget team and aside from getting Jonathan Huberdeau signed they don’t have real cap concerns. That cap figure includes an inactive Marc Savard, a buyout for Brad Boyes and salary retained from a Kris Versteeg trade.
PARTING SHOT