Panthers acquire Evgeni Nabokov

[Caged Great]

Florida has acquired their new starting goalie for next season. Evgeni Nabokov will be enjoying time on the beaches for the rest of the season and into the summer. Heading up north to Columbus are goalie Antero Niittymaki and prospect Michael Latta.

We feel that Nabokov despite not playing this year is still a good starting goalie and should be similarly rated to Niittymaki next year but should easily regain a good enough OV beyond next year.

Also coming to Florida is a suitcase full of cash (6 mil) to cover the contract differences. With that cheese space, it does make it possible for me to trade either Morris or Arnott if anyone is interested.

[Swayze11]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Florida has acquired their new starting goalie for next season. Evgeni Nabokov will be enjoying time on the beaches for the rest of the season and into the summer. Heading up north to Columbus are goalie Antero Niittymaki and prospect Michael Latta.

We feel that Nabokov despite not playing this year is still a good starting goalie and should be similarly rated to Niittymaki next year but should easily regain a good enough OV beyond next year.

Also coming to Florida is a suitcase full of cash (6 mil) to cover the contract differences. With that cheese space, it does make it possible for me to trade either Morris or Arnott if anyone is interested.

Maybe it is just me but I think you might be in for a surprise.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

Maybe it is just me but I think you might be in for a surprise.

I agree with you, however, between the two goalies, Nabokov has the higher chance to get good ratings due to his long track record. As long as he's a passable starter next year, that's all I'll need while guys like Bernier, Hackett, and Eriksson etc. develop.

The acquisition price was negligible as Latta's about 10th on my forward prospect depth chart, and I have a ton of cap space for next year. If he plays like he did in the past, I'll have acquired a good starter for the low cost of a backup and depth prospect. If he blows, I'm not really out much of anything outside of 5 mil in cap next season, which is a small price for what the possible upside is. It's a risk, but the downside to me is negligible.

Hopefully this is a gamble that works out.

[BagoPucks]

I thought since he refused to report to the Isles when they claimed, he was suspended by the team and was suspended for the upcoming season?

Am i misinformed?

[JiriHrdina]

He was suspedned for this season - it remains to be seen what happens over the summer.

Risky move by the kitties to be sure.

[MJK]

I think he'll play in the nhl next season. Regardless, I didn't want to pay him 10mill.