Matt Ross: Prospect Tournament Roster

You think Zito is feeling any extra pressure for a few of these prospects to hit since he moved so many 1st rounders out?

You think Zito is feeling any extra pressure for a few of these prospects to hit since he moved so many 1st rounders out?
- Zach Jarom

Possibly. It’s an interesting thought.

I’d have to look them up again, but pretty sure some of those first rounders were late first/close-to-second-rounders. It wasn’t like were all within the top 10. Of course it still stings a bit because of the word “first.”

But I stick by my belief that the window is open now and Zito had to take some big swings to try and get to the Cup - those picks were collateral of doing business to get the pieces Zito thought would give the Cats the edge. Bummer it didn’t work out. Had it worked, and the Panthers raised the Cup, I don’t think too many people are as upset about those picks.

The focus should be the present IMO. The future (picks/prospects) is certainly important and needs to be continually built/worked on, but I just think if some of these guys aren’t hitting right away, there’s time to still recoup picks down the line. It would just be at the cost of moving some bigger guys - which I assume will happen if the window looks like it’s starting to close.

They have some extra time though because after this year the Yandle and Hornqvist contracts come off the books and it will free up something like $10-15 M. So they’ll be splashing some cash on things they need.

I still think Zito and the Cats are in good shape despite the loss of those picks.

Possibly. It’s an interesting thought.

I’d have to look them up again, but pretty sure some of those first rounders were late first/close-to-second-rounders. It wasn’t like were all within the top 10. Of course it still stings a bit because of the word “first.”

But I stick by my belief that the window is open now and Zito had to take some big swings to try and get to the Cup - those picks were collateral of doing business to get the pieces Zito thought would give the Cats the edge. Bummer it didn’t work out. Had it worked, and the Panthers raised the Cup, I don’t think too many people are as upset about those picks.

The focus should be the present IMO. The future (picks/prospects) is certainly important and needs to be continually built/worked on, but I just think if some of these guys aren’t hitting right away, there’s time to still recoup picks down the line. It would just be at the cost of moving some bigger guys - which I assume will happen if the window looks like it’s starting to close.

They have some extra time though because after this year the Yandle and Hornqvist contracts come off the books and it will free up something like $10-15 M. So they’ll be splashing some cash on things they need.

I still think Zito and the Cats are in good shape despite the loss of those picks.
- Matt Ross

The only trade that I questioned was Chiarot, and I think Zito felt a little panic when Ekblad went down with serious looking injury right before trade deadline. I wonder if he makes that deal if he had more time to think it over.

Chiarot was a huge blunder. He wasnt even remotely noticeable enough to be worth a 1st rounder. And i still think we overpaid for giroux especially when offense wasnt our issue (at least before the playoffs) but i reserve final judgement until i see where we finish over the next 3 years

If Maurice coaches like he did with the Jets it will be only by accident any of these prospect will be on the Panther anytime soon. He likes to play older, slower less skilled players over rookies.

The only trade that I questioned was Chiarot, and I think Zito felt a little panic when Ekblad went down with serious looking injury right before trade deadline. I wonder if he makes that deal if he had more time to think it over.
- Ratsreign

Chiarot was a huge blunder. He wasnt even remotely noticeable enough to be worth a 1st rounder. And i still think we overpaid for giroux especially when offense wasnt our issue (at least before the playoffs) but i reserve final judgement until i see where we finish over the next 3 years
- Shynes57

No doubt about Chiarot being a underwhelming. Was hoping he would step in and be a big boost. Could have been some issues learning/adjusting to the system (whatever it was) in a short period of time, etc.

Before joining the Panthers Chariot was about a .25ppg player more known for his defense. With Florida he was nearly a .5ppg player. The disappointment with him may have been a wee bit exaggerated due to fan expectations. Not on his ability. If he was around this year I am sure he would be more than capable of replacing McW. I fully believe he would be a more complete D than anyone not named Ekblad on this roster.

Before joining the Panthers Chariot was about a .25ppg player more known for his defense. With Florida he was nearly a .5ppg player. The disappointment with him may have been a wee bit exaggerated due to fan expectations. Not on his ability. If he was around this year I am sure he would be more than capable of replacing McW. I fully believe he would be a more complete D than anyone not named Ekblad on this roster.
- wreckage

That’s what I’m saying. I think it was such a small sample size and adjusting to the new team/system and not having an immediate impact soured a lot of people on him.

I think if given more time (like you said if he was around for this year), he would def be a top guy on the blueline for Florida.