Matt Ross: Free Agency and Draft

maybe it's time for Ekblad to move on

his NMC starts next July 1st, and I think Florida should seriously consider seeing what kind of market there is for him by then, and if they really are in on Pieterangelo, then checking the market on Ekblad should start now

Need for toughness, huh? How about Kassian for Connolly?

maybe it's time for Ekblad to move on

his NMC starts next July 1st, and I think Florida should seriously consider seeing what kind of market there is for him by then, and if they really are in on Pieterangelo, then checking the market on Ekblad should start now
- jimbro83

Ekblad is just really starting to come into his own, I don’t think Florida should move him, even if they do sign Pietrangelo. Would rather see them be able to find a deal that Yandle would accept. Or even find a taker for Stralman. Moving either of those contracts would free up a good chunk of cap space to add other pieces.

Good article, but take it from NJ. Wayne Simmonds is done! There are 4th liners who bring more at this stage of his career

Ekblad is just really starting to come into his own, I don’t think Florida should move him, even if they do sign Pietrangelo. Would rather see them be able to find a deal that Yandle would accept. Or even find a taker for Stralman. Moving either of those contracts would free up a good chunk of cap space to add other pieces.
- Ratsreign

Moving Yandle has been on my wishlist for a long time now. Might be tough to find the combo of:

1. A taker
2. Him waiving his NMC

Good article, but take it from NJ. Wayne Simmonds is done! There are 4th liners who bring more at this stage of his career
- Crushers68

Thanks, Crushers68.

I was thinking/hoping the year that both NJ and BUF had might have factored into his play. I know I’m basing this on his past performances, but I do feel like he’d be a nice fit on this squad if he can get back to his former self - even a little bit of that.

You’re thinking he’s done?

Need for toughness, huh? How about Kassian for Connolly?
- MaximumBone

If that deal goes through, Zito will have to restructure Kassian’s contract to include a 19th Century sideburns clause?

Moving Yandle has been on my wishlist for a long time now. Might be tough to find the combo of:

1. A taker
2. Him waiving his NMC
- Matt Ross

Very tough, I’m afraid. Unless Boston decides they could use his PP skills if/when Krug moves on. Maybe he’d like Seattle?...

Very tough, I’m afraid. Unless Boston decides they could use his PP skills if/when Krug moves on. Maybe he’d like Seattle?...
- Ratsreign

I think Seattle sounds great...

Ekblad is just really starting to come into his own, I don’t think Florida should move him, even if they do sign Pietrangelo. Would rather see them be able to find a deal that Yandle would accept. Or even find a taker for Stralman. Moving either of those contracts would free up a good chunk of cap space to add other pieces.
- Ratsreign

well since Pietrangelo and Ekblad are both right handed defensemen, they aren't going to be a pairing, both are top pairing guys, making top pairing money

that's why to me it would make sense to trade Ekblad if they were able to bring Pietrangelo in

well since Pietrangelo and Ekblad are both right handed defensemen, they aren't going to be a pairing, both are top pairing guys, making top pairing money

that's why to me it would make sense to trade Ekblad if they were able to bring Pietrangelo in
- jimbro83

I have said before that I’m all about dealing whoever (core included) if it seems like the right move.

Let’s say they are pursuing a big name guy like Pietrangelo, if the cost of getting him would be moving Ekblad, I think you do that deal immediately.

Sure, Ekblad is 24 compared to Pieterangelo’s 30, but with Pieterangelo, you’re not only getting a solid defenseman with leadership qualities that is an anchor on the backend and for the team, but he’s also a winner.

The big factor to me is Florida’s window. They’re the perennial “next thing” but never get there. They’ve been falling short for the past few years. The window only closes more the longer you flounder.

Changing this teams DNA by adding some guys with different looks is sorely needed. It will either get them over the “hump” or it won’t. No one knows for sure, but I would rather take a chance on bringing in some new guys, then continue with the same old formula and get the same old results.

Zito checked off the first to-do box by trading Matheson for Hornqvist. I think a net-front guy like Hornqvist could provide a jump start for the offense and help with those terrible and poorly-timed droughts. The offense has long been too perimeter- and pass-oriented, particularly the top lines. Having Hornqvist in front of the net to screen and take advantage of rebounds could be a big and immediate difference.

The second box on the to-do list has to be resolving the Yandle situation. That might mean finding him a new home or figuring out a way to play that uses his skills and mitigates his liabilities.

Unfortunately, with free agency and the draft coming up quickly, Zito is probably under pressure to act quickly and work on multiple high-priority tasks concurrently. I hope he is a strong multitasker.

Go Panthers!

Zito checked off the first to-do box by trading Matheson for Hornqvist. I think a net-front guy like Hornqvist could provide a jump start for the offense and help with those terrible and poorly-timed droughts. The offense has long been too perimeter- and pass-oriented, particularly the top lines. Having Hornqvist in front of the net to screen and take advantage of rebounds could be a big and immediate difference.

The second box on the to-do list has to be resolving the Yandle situation. That might mean finding him a new home or figuring out a way to play that uses his skills and mitigates his liabilities.

Unfortunately, with free agency and the draft coming up quickly, Zito is probably under pressure to act quickly and work on multiple high-priority tasks concurrently. I hope he is a strong multitasker.

Go Panthers!
- JimboCoppertone

Right on, Jimbo

Dream Scenario:

Trade Yandle & Conolly
Sign Piertrangelo
Re-sign Dadonov
Re-sign RFA Saarela, Wallmark, Brown & Weegar
Offer sheet/sign Cirelli
Draft Quinn or Lundell

2020-2021 Lineup:
Huberdeau-Barkov-Tippett
Dadonov-Cirelli-Hornqvist
Vatrano-Wallmark-Denisenko
Saarela-Acciari-Heponiemi

Pietrangelo-Ekblad
Weegar-Stralman
Stillman-Brown

Not saying this team is a Cup Contender but that should be good enough to make the playoffs if Bobrovsky reverts back to form.

Dream Scenario:

Trade Yandle & Conolly
Sign Piertrangelo
Re-sign Dadonov
Re-sign RFA Saarela, Wallmark, Brown & Weegar
Offer sheet/sign Cirelli
Draft Quinn or Lundell

2020-2021 Lineup:
Huberdeau-Barkov-Tippett
Dadonov-Cirelli-Hornqvist
Vatrano-Wallmark-Denisenko
Saarela-Acciari-Heponiemi

Pietrangelo-Ekblad
Weegar-Stralman
Stillman-Brown

Not saying this team is a Cup Contender but that should be good enough to make the playoffs if Bobrovsky reverts back to form.
- jacke1ope

I like it, Jacke1ope - especially that second line! Would be very curious to see how the fourth lined meshed, too.

I have said before that I’m all about dealing whoever (core included) if it seems like the right move.

Let’s say they are pursuing a big name guy like Pietrangelo, if the cost of getting him would be moving Ekblad, I think you do that deal immediately.

Sure, Ekblad is 24 compared to Pieterangelo’s 30, but with Pieterangelo, you’re not only getting a solid defenseman with leadership qualities that is an anchor on the backend and for the team, but he’s also a winner.

The big factor to me is Florida’s window. They’re the perennial “next thing” but never get there. They’ve been falling short for the past few years. The window only closes more the longer you flounder.

Changing this teams DNA by adding some guys with different looks is sorely needed. It will either get them over the “hump” or it won’t. No one knows for sure, but I would rather take a chance on bringing in some new guys, then continue with the same old formula and get the same old results.
- Matt Ross

Moving 24 yr old Ek, just approaching his prime on a favorable contract, to make room for 30 yr old Pietrangelo who is gonna get a huge long term deal doesn’t seem like a smart move for FL in the long run.
If they can’t move Yandle, they have to go get a true stay home type of dman to cover for his too often slack defense 5v5. Then let Yandle earn his money dealing apples on the PP.

Josh Brown traded to Ottawa for a 4th round pick. By itself, this one doesn't make sense or make waves. Looks like Zito might be preparing for another move.

Josh Brown traded to Ottawa for a 4th round pick. By itself, this one doesn't make sense or make waves. Looks like Zito might be preparing for another move.
- JimboCoppertone

I just saw that, too. Kind of bummed, I liked Brown. But Zito must have something cooking...

I just saw that, too. Kind of bummed, I liked Brown. But Zito must have something cooking...
- Matt Ross

I thought Brown brought a little of the “snarl” that the d lacks. He seemed like the kind of player Q would like. Maybe Keeper is passing him on depth chart, anyway.
More room to add that proven third pair stay home safety blanket for Yands?
Leaving more money available to give RFA Weegar a fair new deal?
I thought we might hear of some RFA signings this week before the draft on Tuesday.

I thought Brown brought a little of the “snarl” that the d lacks. He seemed like the kind of player Q would like. Maybe Keeper is passing him on depth chart, anyway.
More room to add that proven third pair stay home safety blanket for Yands?
Leaving more money available to give RFA Weegar a fair new deal?
I thought we might hear of some RFA signings this week before the draft on Tuesday.
- Ratsreign

Same here, Rats. I think he’ll get a a really nice chance on a rebuilding Sens team to be more of a “guy” there.

Best of luck to him. Always appreciated his effort.

Im not sure we need hornqvist and simmonds do we? Hopefully moving brown means we have a plan in place for solid defense this year

Im not sure we need hornqvist and simmonds do we? Hopefully moving brown means we have a plan in place for solid defense this year
- Shynes57

The Panthers will need what I tell them they need...

Haha. Just joking, Shynes! I understand what you’re saying. I’m just eager to see what they do here...

Not sure im enjoying the players i keep seeing linked to the panther. I feel a hard no towards krug i dont feel he is the type of defenseman we are looking for

Ewwww and tyson barrie. No thank you very much.