Over the past week, GM Penney decided to have a bit of fun and ship out some big name stars. They are long gone and forgotten. With the movements, Penney has brought in some much needed youth, some of which has been injected directly into the lineup.
In the 2006 Future Watch, the Panthers were ranked a 24th. Not long after that report was published, Penney decided to use that to his advantage, exploiting the young talent by shipping them out for experienced veterans. Penney had one goal in mind, to win the Stanley Cup.
Sitting on an experienced squad, Penney found it difficult to make trades, worrying that it might upset the balance of his stacked team. Haunted by the thought of not being able to trade, *gasp*, Penney had an idea; trade good veteran players without hurting the team too much.
VOILA!
The Panthers have brought in a numer of young players who they hope will bring some excitement to the team. The following players are how they are ranked on the Panthers Prospect Depth Chart:
1. Thomas Vanek 8.0A
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=3214
2. Jonathan Toews 8.5B
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/jonathan_toews
3. Jonathan Bernier 8.0A
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/jonathan_bernier
4. Al Montoya 8.5C
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/alvaro_montoya
5. R.J. Umberger 7.5B
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/r.j._umberger
6. Dustin Penner 8.0C
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/dustin_penner
7. Alexandre Picard 7.5B
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/alexandre-picard
8. Jack Skille 7.0B
http://hockeysfuture.com/prospect/jack_skille
Lots of trades in the Panthers camp but ones that have made GM Penney actually like his team.
"Sure I had a team that was going to be tough to beat bu you know what, I still like we do!" said Penney an interview with Rich Peddle of Jungle Jim News.
"The bottom line is that good goaltending, a solid defense and great scoring can win you a cup, and I feel that we still have that here. With guys like Kovalchuk, Murray, Lang, Lidstrom and Fernandez, we have a team here in Florida that we not only like a lot, but one that will always be competitive. With the right line combinations, I have no doubt in my mind that this team can still go very far" said Penney.
The following is an excerpt from a recent exclusive interview:
Rich Peddle (Jungle Jim News): So what's up next for the Panthers?
Penney: Look for us to continue to mix and match players while building the foundation of youth.
Rich Peddle (Jungle Jim News): When do you think you will stop trading?
Penney: The day I stop trading is the day you stop proposing.
Rich Peddle (Jungle Jim News): That is all.
Comments, bashing, criticism is always welcomed!!!
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