Matt Ross: Upcoming and Coming D-Man: John Ludvig

Not worried about Barkov’s extension yet, I think they’ll get it done before the season starts. How the deal is structured will be interesting to see with Hubie going to need a new deal and Bob’s contract hanging around. Those details may be all that’s left to iron out. Idk if Barkov is back in town yet, I think they want him to sign and have a press conference for the local news publicity of signing their biggest star. The local tv stations just rediscovered where the BB&T Center is located as last regular wound down and the playoff series with Tampa unfolded. They have to build on what they started last year, and not let the buzz they generated fade away (as this organization has always done in the past).

Looking forward to seeing how Ludvig progresses, could be just what the dr ordered.

Bring him on. We need an old fashion stay at home defenseman

Bring him on. We need an old fashion stay at home defenseman
- madhatter56

That’s what I’m saying!

Not worried about Barkov’s extension yet, I think they’ll get it done before the season starts. How the deal is structured will be interesting to see with Hubie going to need a new deal and Bob’s contract hanging around. Those details may be all that’s left to iron out. Idk if Barkov is back in town yet, I think they want him to sign and have a press conference for the local news publicity of signing their biggest star. The local tv stations just rediscovered where the BB&T Center is located as last regular wound down and the playoff series with Tampa unfolded. They have to build on what they started last year, and not let the buzz they generated fade away (as this organization has always done in the past).

Looking forward to seeing how Ludvig progresses, could be just what the dr ordered.

- Ratsreign

That would be a great idea to do a nice event for the Barky signing.

I know this sounds crazy, but what if they don’t have plans to resign Huby, instead going all in this last year that they’ll have him with the recent acquisitions they signed?

With some of the new guys they added (and others coming up) I wonder if the idea of moving Huby has crossed their mind since he will be due for a pay raise and will probably be looking for a big contract, too.

I think it would be wild if they didn’t resign him, but I’m also wondering if they’re exploring all different options.

That would be a great idea to do a nice event for the Barky signing.

I know this sounds crazy, but what if they don’t have plans to resign Huby, instead going all in this last year that they’ll have him with the recent acquisitions they signed?

With some of the new guys they added (and others coming up) I wonder if the idea of moving Huby has crossed their mind since he will be due for a pay raise and will probably be looking for a big contract, too.

I think it would be wild if they didn’t resign him, but I’m also wondering if they’re exploring all different options.
- Matt Ross

I think Hubie is also part of their long term plan. Never say never, though. The Hubie the Hab rumors will be fun next summer, lol, until he re-signs with FL.

Rumor that AZ willing to trade Chychrun, bids start at 2 first round picks.
I wonder what Zito would offer, he doesn’t have a first round pick for next year to give.

I think Hubie is also part of their long term plan. Never say never, though. The Hubie the Hab rumors will be fun next summer, lol, until he re-signs with FL.

Rumor that AZ willing to trade Chychrun, bids start at 2 first round picks.
I wonder what Zito would offer, he doesn’t have a first round pick for next year to give.
- Ratsreign

I’m never sure what AZ is looking to do since their direction seems to always be changing…

But it appears they’re trying to collect picks (again) and/or legit prospects? Since the Cats don’t have a first next season, maybe a combo of pick(s) and promising prospect gets the deal done.

I’ve changed my tune on some things as of late. For me, I’d like to see Zito take a big swing here and bring Chychurn in. Young, talented guy that had a breakout season. Top “stick check” defensman in the league at separating opponents from the puck and is a Florida native.

Panthers are going all in, why not keep that trend going and make an offer to AZ for him?

Not sure how the money/contract stuff would all work though. Cats are going to have some real decisions and savvy moves to do in the future I think.

I still feel they need to bring back Eric Grudbranson. Bringing him back to the team that originally drafted him would revitalize him. he is a stay-at-home defenseman who is not afraid to hit and puts the fear of God into opposing forwards coming into his zone.

I still feel they need to bring back Eric Grudbranson. Bringing him back to the team that originally drafted him would revitalize him. he is a stay-at-home defenseman who is not afraid to hit and puts the fear of God into opposing forwards coming into his zone.
- madhatter56

He gets dogged a lot, but there’s something I’ve always liked about his game.

Do you remember Tallon saying he believe Gudy would be captain of the Panthers at some day?

He gets dogged a lot, but there’s something I’ve always liked about his game.

Do you remember Tallon saying he believe Gudy would be captain of the Panthers at some day?
- Matt Ross

Tallon would’ve never traded Gudbranson. That was how you knew he really wasn’t anywhere near in charge that year, no matter what his title after his “promotion“ may have been.

I’m never sure what AZ is looking to do since their direction seems to always be changing…

But it appears they’re trying to collect picks (again) and/or legit prospects? Since the Cats don’t have a first next season, maybe a combo of pick(s) and promising prospect gets the deal done.

I’ve changed my tune on some things as of late. For me, I’d like to see Zito take a big swing here and bring Chychurn in. Young, talented guy that had a breakout season. Top “stick check” defensman in the league at separating opponents from the puck and is a Florida native.

Panthers are going all in, why not keep that trend going and make an offer to AZ for him?

Not sure how the money/contract stuff would all work though. Cats are going to have some real decisions and savvy moves to do in the future I think.
- Matt Ross

The rumor has been squashed as completely bogus.

too bad

The rumor has been squashed as completely bogus.

too bad
- Ratsreign

What a bummer 👎

Tallon would’ve never traded Gudbranson. That was how you knew he really wasn’t anywhere near in charge that year, no matter what his title after his “promotion“ may have been.
- Ratsreign

Would you like to see him back, Rats?

I’d be down.

At least give Grudbranson a PTO. Defensemen are always in short supply. This is the only weak link in the Panthers lineup.

Ziti had many opportunities available to improve the defense and did basically nothing.