Matt Ross: GABBO! GABBO! GABBO!

Knight looks like the real thing. I still just find it odd that they would use their first pick on a goalie right after signing Bob for 7 years. It’s like they were betting against themselves that one wouldn’t pan out. If Knight becomes the #1 anytime before 26-27, they are paying 10M for a backup.

Knight looks like the real thing. I still just find it odd that they would use their first pick on a goalie right after signing Bob for 7 years. It’s like they were betting against themselves that one wouldn’t pan out. If Knight becomes the #1 anytime before 26-27, they are paying 10M for a backup.
- Djapana

I remember thinking the same thing. The contract is horrible because at 32 Bob realistically only has 3-4 good seasons left in him. Maybe. Lundqvist is 38 and has been trending strongly in the wrong direction for 3 years. That’s just an example but pretty typical.

Getting a quality veteran goalie was the right move even with selecting Knight but the term is too long. But that’s what buyouts are for...

Knight looks like the real thing. I still just find it odd that they would use their first pick on a goalie right after signing Bob for 7 years. It’s like they were betting against themselves that one wouldn’t pan out. If Knight becomes the #1 anytime before 26-27, they are paying 10M for a backup.
- Djapana

It’s going to be interesting to see how things develop over the next few years.

I remember thinking the same thing. The contract is horrible because at 32 Bob realistically only has 3-4 good seasons left in him. Maybe. Lundqvist is 38 and has been trending strongly in the wrong direction for 3 years. That’s just an example but pretty typical.

Getting a quality veteran goalie was the right move even with selecting Knight but the term is too long. But that’s what buyouts are for...
- Queenie_5_hole

Forgot to add that I am particularly excited about Spencer Knight since he is a USA goalie; and to a larger extent I'm excited about some of the better North American net minders like McKenzie Blackwood and Carter Hart. The Russians has some remarkable goalies coming up. Many in my back yard playing for New York teams.

Knight looks like the real thing. I still just find it odd that they would use their first pick on a goalie right after signing Bob for 7 years. It’s like they were betting against themselves that one wouldn’t pan out. If Knight becomes the #1 anytime before 26-27, they are paying 10M for a backup.
- Djapana

All of the defensemen they had their eyes on were off the board, Knight was best player available. Yes, Bob’s deal is overpaid and too long of term, but the last two years of it are easier to move (less actual dollars owed and Bob won’t have full control of where he may be traded). And it beats the alternative of trying to rush Knight along towards the role of #1 goalie in FL. When Knight is fully ready to take that role there will be a solution to moving the final year or two of Bob’s contract.

Even more so if Minny is in the division instead of St. Louis, FL should be in the mix for playoff spot this season.

My fear with the Goaltending Excellence Department is that it puts all the attention on the goalies. The Panthers need an integrated solution that teaches an optimal defensive structure and play in front of the goalies. Only when the gears mesh properly will the defensive payoff occur and the defense consistently contributes to winning.

My fear with the Goaltending Excellence Department is that it puts all the attention on the goalies. The Panthers need an integrated solution that teaches an optimal defensive structure and play in front of the goalies. Only when the gears mesh properly will the defensive payoff occur and the defense consistently contributes to winning.
- JimboCoppertone

Agreed, Jimbo. I still think it’s a mix of a lot of things and a big portion of it is to appease the fan base in some ways. Sort of a, “hey, we’re dedicating time and resources to this area of the game” type thing.

FL has two goalie prospects in the WJC. Devon Levi makes Team Canada roster, Panthers might’ve found an overlooked gem with the 2020 seventh round pick.
https://www.si.com/hockey...__twitter_impression=true
The goalie department might be a wonderful thing to help bring these two along.