The 2008-09 Florida Panthers were expected to compete for a playoff spot and the team did just that, falling two points shy of the number 8 seed in the East. The team is expected to improve in the 2009-10 season, and anything less than the playoffs will be a major disappointment. A look at what the Panthers have, and what to expect this offseason.
Impending Unrestricted Free Agents Tomas Vokoun -- One of the top goalies in the game has already had his contract extended for another season and will once again be counted on to handle the load in goal. Curtis Joseph -- Signed in the offseason to provide veteran insurance in goal, CuJo was a major flop, going just 1-7 on the season, giving up better than a goal a game more than Vokoun. If he could have won just 2 of his 8 decisions, the team would be in the playoffs right now. It is doubtful that he returns.
The team: Centers: Deep, young and talented. The Panthers traded away a legit top-6 center in Tomas Plekanec because they were so confident in the development of their young centers. Led by David Krejci (22) and Brian Little (20), this should be the strength of the forward group. The team feels that Krejci, Little, T.J. Oshie (21) and Frans Nielsen (24) will all be able to step up next season. With Jiri Tlusty and Darren Helm waiting in the wings, don't expect the team to add any centers this summer.
Wing: Cory Stillman and Marco Sturm provide veteran experience to the Panthers top-2 lines. The team, however, was not pleased with the development of Alexei Kostytsin and Joffrey Lupul this season. The team was hoping that one of the two would take a step forward and become a 30 goal scorer and top line player, but that didn't happen. Andrew Ladd did show some improvement, proving that he belongs in the NHL and he should be the third line lw when the season starts. Blake Comeau is a favorite of team management, who feel he will develop into a solid 2nd-3rd line player, responsible on both ends, physical, and capable of potting 20-25 goals, but expect to see him on the fourth line most of this season. Tom Kostopoulos will be the other fourth liner this season. Rotislav Olesz is another player that disappointed this season, once again missing significant time and failing to produce much when healthy. As of now he is pencilled in on a third line, but if the team is able to upgrade over the summer, Olesz may find himself without a place in the lineup.
Defense: A good mix of veterans and young players, the defense is expected to be better next season. The projected top-pairing is Braydon Coburn and Ryan Suter, both are young, very talented, and solid in both ends. Behind them are Adrian Aucoin, Sami Salo, Matt Greene and Marek Malik. The unit should be solid defensively, but there is no true power play qb. The team could also use some depth until top-prospect Thomas Hickey is ready in 1-2 years. The only other d-man on the roster is Ole-Kristian Tollefson, who has yet to show he can be a consistent producer.
Goal: Tomas Vokoun will be back, and is one of the best in the league. He is capable of stealing a game at any time, and could be the difference between the Panthers fighting for a playoff spot and fighting for home ice. A backup will be needed though, as Jonathan Bernier needs more seasoning in the minors.
Offseason Predictions: The team would like to bring in at least 1 top winger and 1 defenseman and needs a backup goalie. With almost $20 million to spend, the team can afford to be very active in free agency, but with three first round picks this season and a young team, expect the team to pounce if the right player becomes available via trade.
