[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Benched

Dear Cali Panthers Fan,

First, a long time fan, but the first time I've written into your hotline. Let me begin by saying that I love your icon, great update!

I have been struggling for awhile now trying to determine where Florida's defense is going. Ekblad is obviously the future, but how is the D core looking overall. How many years does Mitchell have left in him? Is Brian Campbell still relevant? Anything coming down the pipe?

They were probably hoping for Dylan Olsen to be a regular, but his game has regressed and is probably a career 'tweener now. They still have two very solid prospects in Michael Matheson and Ian McCoshen, but both are playing in the NCAA and probably won't sign until after this year. Mackenzie Weegar is close, but needs seasoning in the minors. He's a decent puck mover and a little undersized, but could be a good replacement for Brian Campbell when he moves on.

As for Campbell, he's still effective, but he's always been a little soft for my liking. He can still get around the ice, but his shot has fallen way off, and his passing skills aren't exceptional anymore.

I think Mitchell has at least one more year in him if he wants to come back, and he's been an important leader for this team. Not only that, he's been an important teacher for the defense, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him coaching immediately after his playing career is over.

If you're asking me how the d-core looks going forward, you can pencil in Ekblad on the top pairing for years. Kulikov is a solid 3-4, and Gudbranson is a great 3rd pairing guy that can easily move up in the lineup when you need him to. As well, Petrovic has shown that he really belongs this year, and I see his upside as another 3-4 guy that could play well with Kulikov. So 4 of 6 guys are in the lineup long term, and they have 2 more solid prospects coming down the pipeline. Could probably use another depth guy at some point though.

I would also enjoy reading your thoughts on Trochek. Picked him up this year in our office pool, and he puts up pts now and then, but I have not honestly watched his gameplay. Any comparables you could help me with.

Trocheck is very underrated. He's crafty, and skilled, but undersized. A poor man's Gaudreau if you will. He's a solid center who can handle secondary defensive assignments, and he's pretty good on the power play too. He's sort of the glue to the secondary attack, as he regularly sets up his line mates for great scoring chances. Pretty good on the forecheck too for a smaller guy. Someone to watch tonight if you haven't seen much of him before.

Lastly and most importantly, who has the best flow on the team? Jagr is bringing the mullet back I hear, but Luongo has that great greasy mess. Please answer this burning question.

It's coming, but like all great things, it takes time.

Thanks for you time.

Your most faithful follower,

~Benched

Thanks for writing!