As I sit to write this short piece, a look at the NHL standings has the Panthers 4 points behind the Bruins for the 3rd spot in the division, and an automatic playoff berth. Now we can argue about the how and why until we are all blue in the face, but 4 points out is 4 points out, and unless you only have 1 game left, you have a shot. So without getting into an enormous amount of specifics, like which exact players should come or go, lets examine both sides of the argument.

LETS MAKE A DEAL

Ok so you are thinking HEY we have a shot, lets get something done. Nothing stupid but we need a winger ( at least one) preferably with some size and scoring ability because as we all know the going gets tough around playoff time. The core needs the experience of playing in the playoffs, and maybe if healthy Lu can get on a nice run and steal a series for us. Lets face it we do have some nice minor league pieces that could get us a decent return, and also its possible Dale Tallon could be out should we miss the playoffs. Also obviously a playoff race & run would energize the fan base, sell some tickets, and calm social media down a bit. ( on that note do NOT look at some of the Panther boards on FB right now unless you enjoy massive chaos)…..

STAY PUT- NO MOVES!

Ok so you are thinking why bother? Is it really worth it to have some crappy 89 point team sneak in and get obliterated, lucky to win a game in round 1? Let’s see it through with the guys we have, and as for Tallon, this is his mess now and if he can’t fix it then adios. Lu is old and washed , Reimer is meh and we lack a true young goalie of the future. If anything you are thinking trade certain veterans for picks & bring up more kids so we can see what they can do. Or maybe you just ” like hockey” and don’t care if you team makes the playoffs at all? Or maybe you just believe in Karma and are happy to watch the Panthers suffer while Vegas has success with Marschesault ….and Smith…..And Gallant

WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN IMO

Not much. Yes we need a winger but unless we can take some garbage we have laying around and turn it into a long term answer, why bother? I would love to see this core get a shot at the playoffs again, but only if it makes us better in the upcoming years. We already have two of the types of veteran players that normally are available this time of year in McGinn and Vrbata, so unless we can turn them in for something shiny and new, I am not real interested in trading away younger players for something that may be just slightly better than those two guys. Alex Petrovic has proven his worth in that you just cannot have an all rookie D pair and expect a playoff race. So unless he magically gets turned into #44 ( could happen) , I would prefer he stay. The only move I am interested in is a goalie. Reimer is a nice decent backup but at this point its obvious he is not turning into a true #1 and certainly not a guy you can ride to the playoffs by him stealing multiple games. With Luongo’s constant lower body issues we must have a guy who is ready to take over at some point soon who has the possibility of being elite. So for me, if any move is to be made by trading young skaters, get a goalie. Let the season play out & continue to develop guys like Malgin ( aka Scooter from the Muppets) , Hunt, Haapala ect….

So as much as I would love to see us make the playoffs I think the continued development of another 2-3 very good young players around 11/16/27/21 is more important at this stage. Once those young guys get a bit better we will only be goaltending away from contending for a top 3 spot in the division every year. I say we should fix that hole first & see how the skaters work out. I know that sucks from a fan perspective, and may end up with Tallon calling a cab, but despite the abundance of negativity you may see on social media I honestly feel this team is very close to taking that next step, provided, of course, that we stop finding new and unique ways to give away players ( and coaches).

Thanks for reading!

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