Florida Panthers Draft Preview

pantherboy writes "The article you have all been looking forward to, I know. I am going to try and address the needs of the club coming into the draft, some rumors, and just stuff that will help everyone clear up their ideas of what Florida might do with pick numero uno.

As of right now, Dudly hasn't stated much if he is going to keep the pick or trade it. And believe me, this is driving the other GM's absolutely crazy! They are not sure whether Dudly is close to making a deal with a certain team, or just pulling everyone’s leg, and waiting for some inpatient GM to finally bite. The longer he waits, the better the offers are going to be. And since Dudly has stated he is going to wait until its time to hit the podium Saturday afternoon (unless a 'high-way robbery' deal were to come up) then the offer should be pretty sweet.

Needs: Right now the Panthers have a few small holes to fill. The first and most frustrating thing for me is that this team has no captain, or even a veteran leader that is close to becoming captain at all. The team could address this need at the draft if they wanted to, but I would say wait until the UFA opens up, and then sign one. The other need on this club is a big power forward on the wing. The one that comes to my mind would have to be Nathan Horton. He has all the molds to become a legit PF in this league. I could possibly see them drafting Horton with #1.

If the Panthers were to keep the pick, there are only two players I could see them drafting it with.

Eric Stall: Probably the most safest pick in the draft. He has the size, the offensive ability, and the defensive knowledge to become a star in this league. Although one of the Panthers strengths is down the center, they could still use Stall. If they are to keep the pick, it is most likely Stall whose name you will hear.

Nathan Horton: A risky bet with the way he preformed at the end of the year, but with the potential he has to become a top-notch PF, something the Panthers lack, you cannot count him out. A broken jaw seemed to halt Horton who was on a 2 point-per-game pace until that point. After he didn't seem to be the player he was at the start. Thus resulting in his drop in the CSB rankings. But you also have to take in mind that Stall was on a much better Petebourgh Petes team then Horton's Oshawa Generals. It is a tough call no less.

Some darkhorses for the #1 pick would be:
Zherdev Loads of offensive talent that could make him a great scorer in this league (a la Kolvochuck). But you have to realize that he knows squat when it comes to defense. He also doesn't use his size at all. The Panthers already have too many of these kinds of players, so I think Zhederev would only be taken if they were to drop down a few.
Dustin Brown Works hard and has alright size. Knows what it takes to put the puck in the net, but not as well rounded as the others at the top. He is a safe bet if they trade down a few.
Marc-Andre FleuryWhy not. You can always trade him later, although his stock would drop when the other teams know the Panthers would have no use for him, or Loungo is Fleury were to become better.

Rumors: Penguins The Pens are rumored to be looking to move up in the seeding, because it is looking like they want to draft Fleury more and more now. The 3rd overall would be a must. Prospects that are being mentioned are Abid, Sivek, Orpik, and Kraft. Maybe a middle round pick would be included.

Avalance Rumor has it is that the Panthers had asked the Av’s for Skoula, Nedorost, and Tanguay and the Av’s first for the pick. Dudly denied this in a Florida paper, but said something along that line would be interesting.

Flyers The rumored trade here was Philly’s first rounder, Simone Gange, and Justin Williams for the first. Either GM has confirmed nothing here.

Hurricanes My personal favorite. Carolina’s first plus Jeff O’Neil for the first. O’Neil would be a perfect fit on this team, and Dudly has said that Cohen has freed up some money for a big priced player if needed.

Canadiens Montreal has offered the Panthers their first and Marcel Hossa for Florida’s first. Dudly apparently wants Jason Ward included in the deal, and talks have since stopped.

I hope this helps people to understand Florida’s take coming into the draft. Now we will have to wait and see what unfolds Saturday afternoon. After that I will be updating you with the Panthers draft review. Can’t wait for Saturday!
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