[Signing] Panthers sign OEL (1 yr, $2.25 mil)

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I know we badly needed experienced d-men, but OEL is so bad defensively now that he'll make Marc Staal look indispensable.

I refuse to believe he is worse than Staal, I can't access that part of my brain

[flambers]

I assume this is not official until 10am MST when the signings start

[cam_calderon]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

...how are you guys accessing twitter right now?

Seems fine for me.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I know we badly needed experienced d-men, but OEL is so bad defensively now that he'll make Marc Staal look indispensable.

I think he has been put in positions with both the Yotes and Canucks where he simply couldnt fill what was needed from him....ie: A top pairing guy.

As a 2M dollar 2nd/3rd pairing player though? Super low risk and a good chance to be a hell of a deal.

The guy was once one of the better dmen in the league. Could he be done after the knee issues? Yup, no question. However i think its just as likely he bounces back a bit and becomes a pretty solid member on that blueline.

[Goriders]

There goes Duclair I’m guessing

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

It also tells me Florida isn’t budging either, and one more team off the potential list.

Because they got a terrible defender?

[Ped]

Originally Posted by flambers

I assume this is not official until 10am MST when the signings start

Not that it matters now, but because he was bought out, he became an immediate free agent.

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I think he has been put in positions with both the Yotes and Canucks where he simply couldnt fill what was needed from him....ie: A top pairing guy.

As a 2M dollar 2nd/3rd pairing player though? Super low risk and a good chance to be a hell of a deal.

The guy was once one of the better dmen in the league. Could he be done after the knee issues? Yup, no question. However i think its just as likely he bounces back a bit and becomes a pretty solid member on that blueline.

He wasnt asked to be top pairing here

He was good as a 2nd pairing option in his first year

Was below replacement level last year, and was being sheltered

Best case imo is he plays well for first few months, before the injury history just catches up and he loses that step again

Maybe if they can completely shelter and give him a ton of rest down the stretch he could play 3rd pairing minutes in the playoffs at an ok level, but even that seems like a stretch