Patrick Roy Number 33 to the Rafters

In a perfect example of how time heels all wounds, the Montreal Canadiens have made it official that this coming November, they will, indeed, retire goalie Patrick Roy’s number.

Roy, who burst onto the scene with the Canadiens in 1985, immediately became a fan favorite, when during that magical spring, he won his first of three Conn Smythe Trophies, while backstopping Montreal to a Stanley Cup win.

This Hall Of Famer, who is the all- time leader among goalies, with 551 victories, enjoyed ten magical seasons in Montreal (including another Stanley Cup in 1993), before this Quebec City native left in a cloud of controversy on December 2, 1995.

Even though Roy was a past recipient of such awards as the Vezina, William Jennings, and was named to All- Star Team over the years, he had an ugly blow up with, then coach, Mario Tremblay, on December 2, 1995; when the coach refused to pull his goalie, who was being shelled by the Detroit Red Wings.

In what turned out to be a lopsided affair, Roy showed his frustration, when after finally being pulled, he passed Tremblay on the bench and whispered to the team owner, sitting right behind, that he would never play for Montreal again.

A lot of fans in Montreal booed him that night, and still have not forgiven him for that outburst. The Canadiens organization, however, have proved that 13 years later they have turned the page, when they announced that on November 22, before a home game against the Boston Bruins, the number 33 will be retired to the rafters.

“It’s a great honor to have the chance to come back with the organization and the family of the Montreal Canadiens,” Roy, who was traded to the Colorado Avalanche after that outburst, said  “I think when you talk about the Canadiens, you have to put the word, family, in front of it.”

From Montreal , Roy, who was enshrined to the Hockey Hall Of Fame in 2006, went to Denver, where he helped them win a Stanley Cup that year, and won another one with them in 2001.

Taking a moment to reflect on his career with Montreal , Roy, who already has his number retired with the Colorado Avalanche, admits that he might have done things a little differently during that fateful night in Montreal .

“It was more difficult than people might think to leave Montreal ,” Roy said.

“Yes, I would have liked to leave on a different note, but there is nothing you can do today; and the message that I want to send is that it’s time for me to move on, and I hope it’s the same for them.”

“I always have been proud of my 10 years in Montreal. I learned a lot and this is where I learnt to be a winner.”

Montreal Canadiens

On Friday afternoon the Montreal Canadiens officially dropped out of the Mats Sundin sweepstakes, when they signed another proven scoring veteran in, Robert Lang.

For the entire summer, Montreal General Manager, Bob Gainey, made it clear that he was very interested in Sundin, but with training camp right around the corner, is not willing to wait any longer for a decision.
”Sundin didn’t give me any indication he was going to make a decision, and my hockey department and I were not prepared to wait for a player, who may — or may not, decide to play until November, December, or January or February,” said Gainey. “We also developed back-up plans and, today, we decided to use one back up plan, instead of continuing on a course that didn’t seem as if it was going to be fruitful. There was no indication that we would see Mats Sundin with our team.”

That so called back up plan, as Gainey called it, was bolstering their offense by trading,a second round 2010 draft choice, to the Chicago Black hawks, for the veteran, Lang, who last season registered 54 points.

Known for his consistency, this 37 year old, who in 1990 wasn’t selected until the seventh round by the Los Angels Kings, registered his eighth straight season of 50 points or more. The most important aspect of this deal for Montreal is that they are getting a veteran leader, who is excited about playing for the Canadiens.

“You never want to get traded, or move your family, but I think it’s going to be a great situation,” said Lang, who in a grand total of 875 NHL games with the Kings, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings and Blackhawks has recorded 635 points, including 77 power play goals.

Gainey, who after the season made a trade, with the Leafs, to acquire the negotiation rights of Sundin — before he hit the free agent open market on July 1, admitted that there was no time this summer when the Canadiens believed that he was sold on coming to Montreal .

“At no time did I have any feeling we had (Sundin) locked up,” said Gainey.

Heading into their one- hundredth season, Gainey has been aggressive this off- season in signing scoring forward, and former Stanley Cup winner, Alex Tanguay and enforcer, George Laroque.

Dropping out of the Sundin running is great news for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and the Toronto Maple Leafs; who have all expressed interest in signing this aging veteran, and proven leader. 

57 Million Reasons to Smile

The Carolina Hurricanes took a giant step towards being a serious Stanley Cup contender, in years to come, when they recently signed their franchise forward, Eric Staal, to a seven- year extension, worth 57.75 million.

Hurricanes general manager, Jim Rutherford, who drafted the Thunder Bay Ontario native, second overall in 2003, said  that talks with Staal’s representatives went very smoothly. What made things so simple was the fact that Staal, who was named the Hurricanes MVP last season, loves Carolina and wanted something to be worked out before training camp opened. “I am extremely happy to get this done, and he loves it here,” said Rutherford about his 23 year-old star, who has missed only one game in his four NHL seasons; where he has posted 124 goals, 283 points, in only 327 games.

Looking ahead, Staal, who in 2006 registered 19 assists and 28 playoff points, in leading the Canes to their first Stanley Cup triumph in franchise history, believes that his team, which missed the playoffs last season, can come back and compete once again for The Cup.

“For me, at a young age, to be able to win the Stanley Cup was something I dreamed about my whole life,” he said. “I want to do it again.” “There are talented guys in the room and there’s no reason why we can’t get to the playoffs, and be able to win again.”

When this new deal kicks in, starting in 2009/2010, Staal, who had 82 points last season will net 6 million, with his salary rising to a high of 9.5 million in the seventh and final year.

“It’s the people, and the commitment to try and win again,” Staal said for why he wants to stay with the Hurricanes. “I look forward to my next eight seasons and (winning the Stanley Cup) again … hopefully …

Penguins Pound the Pavement in Pittsburgh

On the weekend, I found myself slowly, but surely, turning into a Pittsburgh Penguins fan, after reading about the unique, fan friendly, program they have for delivering season tickets to the designated subscribers.

As opposed to having them mailed out, the Penguins took it a step further last year, when they had certain players, including captain, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal, and their franchise goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, go door to door and personally hand deliver the tickets.

“It’s a pretty unique thing we do,” said captain Sidney Crosby. “As players we appreciate them, and it’s a way to kind of give back, more on a personal level.” “We tried it last year for the first time and it was a pretty big hit; and the guys had a lot of fun doing it. I think it’s a nice thing to do.”

Paying lots of money for season tickets, and having to endure expensive prices for parking, food or beverages at the concession; a public relations program like this one with the Penguins is very vital, as it makes the fans feel appreciated and gives them the unique, thrilling experience, of having one of their heroes personally coming to their home with tickets.

Another reason why more teams should do this is that it gives the players that intimate, one on one contact, with their fans. It give them an opportunity to get a close up reminder of just how much these fans look up to them.

“These guys have an effect on people, and it’s a positive one,” said Penguins general manager, Ray Shero. ( talking about his players)

“There’s genuine excitement about this hockey team, and the players who play for us. The players represent the community well, and this is another step in that direction.”

 In total, 35 Pittsburgh season ticket holders were picked at random, and they had either head coach, Michel Therrien, Crosby, Staal, Fleury, Pascual Dupuis, Sergei Gonchar, Jeff Taffe, Brooks Orpik, Maxime Talbot or Tyler Kennedy, hand deliver the tickets.

“I am sure they had a sense of anticipation, knowing someone is going to be there, whether it’s me or someone else,” said Crosby, talking about how the season ticket holders were notified that a special delivery was on its way. “It’s fun for us to do and we know the people enjoy it. We appreciate all the support we get too, so it’s the least we can do.”

There is a lot of optimism for the Penguins, who won the Atlantic and Eastern Division Championship last year, but lost in the Stanley Cup finals last season to the Detroit Red Wings.

Hopefully, in the not to distant futures, other sports franchises will pick up on this idea of having player’s personally hand subscribers their season tickets. It’s definitely a great way of exciting the fans and saying — thank you for caring.

 

Mats Sundin

After spending some time thinking about the ongoing saga of Mats Sundin, I gradually began to develop a deep admiration for the long time Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain, who has been vilified all summer, by fans and the press, for taking his time in debating whether to retire or not.

Sundin, who was in Toronto on Friday to play in the inaugural Festival Cup charity game, has turned down some lucrative offers this off -season. which to me gives the loud and clear message that this 37 year-old doesnʼt want a hefty paycheck if he is not one hundred percent committed to doing what it takes to perform at his usual maximum performance level. Throughout the summer various messages on sports websites have been written by people who canʼt understand why Sundin turned down the deals he was offered, which included a two-year, 20 million dollar contract from the Vancouver Canucks, and a two years pact at 7.5 million per year from the Montreal Canadiens.

As a dedicated hockey fan, I couldnʼt help but reflect on, former Ottawa Senator scorer, Alexi Yashin, and the unforgivable selfish act he committed back in November 1999, when he walked out on the Sens in a contract dispute, as opposed to doing the honorable thing of finishing, what was the last year of his existing contract.

Though I obviously donʼt know all the information, since I wasnʼt there, I just remember having a bitter taste in my mouth, because it gave me the message that Yashin, who would later be disappointing, after signing a lucrative deal with the New York Islanders; cared more about the money, than putting the organization first. 

Meanwhile, Sundin, who has been with the Leafs since 1994, is the perfect example of someone who is anything but selfish. i feel that he doesnʼt want to take a lot of money from an organization, when he isnʼt sure if he still has that competitive itch to perform at his best. To me that shows class.

I read an article in Fridayʼs Toronto Star, where former NHLer, Doug Gilmour, talked about how he briefly retired in 2001, after a stint with Buffalo, and how he was mentally drained at the time. That got me to thinking about how NHLers have been force fed in to playing hockey all their lives; even in the summer time.

After an 82 games season and playoffs, they have maybe a couple of weeks off, before they are back training. While the average fan might envy hockey players, because itʼs not an office job … and they get the big bucks … etc. However, it is still a grinding profession. Players are always living out of their suitcases, and for Sundin, answering media questions about why the Leafs havenʼt made the play-offs in the past three seasons, has to be draining.

I truly believe that the Toronto Maple Leafs’ fans should stop criticizing Sundin for taking his time, and respect the fact, that besides being a phenomenal player, he is at a stage where he needs some extra time to think about his future; even if it takes until training camp to make, what is the most important and scary decision in an athleteʼs life.

Trevor Linden

The Vancouver Canucks made, without question, their most popular off-season move last week, when they officially announced that December 17 will be ‘Trevor Linden Night’ at General Motors Place.

Linden, who was selected second overall by the Canucks in 1988, proved to be the heart and soul of Vancouver — not only on the ice, but also in the community, with his tireless charity work.

Recognized for his work, Linden was awarded, back in 1997, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, for his significant involvement within the community.

On this magical December night, fans will be able to … not only say goodbye … to the most popular captain in franchise history, but also witness a rare event; seeing a player’s jersey being retired and raised to the rafters.

“Retiring a player’s sweater is one of the highest honors a club can pay to it’s most elite players and ambassadors,” said Chris Zimmerman who is the President and CEO of Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “Trevor embodies the qualities we strive for as an organization: character, hard working, commitment, generous and loyal.” “We are proud that his sweater will hang beside Stan Smyl’s at GM Place.”

Though he will always be remembered as a Canuck, Linden who wore number 16, ranks second in goals, with 318, and first in assists, with 415.  This two time all- star also had stints with the New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals, but had his greatest success in Vancouver.

After a standout junior career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Linden didn’t need much time to adjust to the NHL back in 1989, as he finished second in voting for the Calder Cup Trophy; but was named Rookie Of The Year by The Hockey News.

Demonstrating superior offensive skills, Linden became one of the most popular and consistent Canucks,as he scored 30 or more goals in six of his first eight campaigns.

His name is in the Canucks record book for, not only offensive statistics, but also for being the youngest captain in team history, when he received the honor in 1992, at the young age of 21.

When Canuck fans think about the post- season, most will remember his incredible run in 1994, when as captain he led the team with 24 points in 25 grueling games, that saw Vancouver go all the way to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost in seven, to the New York Rangers.

After the ceremonies, which will include many key- note speakers, the Canucks will be playing the Edmonton Oilers.

“This is a tremendous honor and I am very grateful to the club,” said Linden.

“To be drafted by the Canucks organization 20 years ago, as an 18 year-old, and to now have my sweater retired is very humbling and rewarding.”

 

Stories From the NHL

Olaf Kolzig

For veteran goalie, Olaf Kolzig, September 28 will mark a homecoming, of sorts, as the 38 year-old will be leading his Tampa Bay Lightning into battle, in an exhibition game against his former team, Eisbaren, Berlin .

Even though, this former 1989 Washington Capitals’ first round pick was born in South Africa, he considers Germany to be his homeland, and that’s where this game will be taking place.

Kolzig, who was one of the many off- season Tampa Bay acquisitions, grew up in Canada, but still has a German passport, and has lots of family living in the area.

“My cousin lives in Berlin and I have a ton of uncles and aunts that live in Hamburg ,” Kolzig, whose parents were born in Germany, said.

Besides playing in Germany, this will also be a special game for the veteran, because Eisbaren, Berlin happens to be his former team. During the lockout season, (2005) he participated in a dozen regular season games and played a large part in Berlin taking home its first of three German Ice Hockey League Championships. (Won in 2005, 2006 and 2008). “He brought an unbelievable influence of professionalism to our club,” said Eisbaren GM, Peter Lee. “He showed what it takes to be an NHL player.” “His team spirit — and everything — was just amazing.” “It was great to see a real pro here, and what he does to become a winner.”

During his long career, the man they call ‘Ollie The Goalie,’ has always eagerly answered the bell when it comes to International play. He starred for Germany in the 1997 World Championships, Winter Games in Nagano Olympics, World Cup of Hockey in 2004, and the 2006 Winter Games in Turin .

“The more international events I played, and the more coverage I got, as a German player, I started feeling my heritage more, and I saw my relatives over there,” Kolzig said. “I felt like a true German again.”

Looking ahead to the event, Kolzig is anticipating a warm welcome, when he is introduced before the game.

“They (fans) are so loyal to their team that they could turn the table on me,” he said. “But I do expect it to be a warm reaction.”

It will definitely be quite the homecoming for Kolzig, who is excited about the changes Tampa Bay made during the off- season.  

Marian Hossa

It’s a safe bet that former Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward, Marian Hossa, didn’t exactly endear himself with his ex- teammates, or the fans, when he explained, back in July, that he signed with the Detroit Red Wings because they had a better chance than Pittsburgh at winning the Stanley Cup. Hossa, who is a former 1997 Ottawa Senators first round pick, has spent his entire career on rebuilding teams, including the past three years with the Atlanta Thrashers, who as an organization, would set modest goals, compared to championship teams, such as the Red Wings. “I was in Atlanta last September and the goal was always to make the playoffs,” the ten-year veteran said. Refusing to sign a long terms contract last season, the Thrashers had no choice but to trade the disgruntled forward, who wanted to win now … as opposed to playing on a, rebuilding, mediocre team. At the February trade deadline, Hossa was shipped to Pittsburgh, where he not only scored 10 points in the 12 regular season games, but also produced in the playoffs, where he scored 26 points in 20 games. After losing in the Stanley Cup finals to the Red Wings, Hossa, who as a free agent, had numerous teams interested in his services … turned down a lucrative deal from Pittsburgh … and jumped at the opportunity to sign with the Red Wings. “I signed here because there is a great chance to win it” (The Stanley Cup), Hossa said on Monday, after an informal workout at Joe Louis Arena. “Obviously it’s not guaranteed, but on paper this is the best team, and we just have to prove it; and hopefully I made the right decision to come here.” Hossa, who has scored 299 goals and 648 points in his career, admitted back in July, that the Penguins are a talented team — but not as good as the Red Wings; which I’m sure, might have some fans booing him upon his return, as a visiting player. After his first practice, Hossa talked about the nostalgia that comes with wearing the Wings uniform. “It’s exciting to come to Detroit, with a lot of history,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge, and playing with great players; and it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s always fun when you’re winning … and that’s why I’m here.”

 

NHL Last Week

Chelios Stays

To my, (and perhaps many others) intense surprise, veteran Detroit Red Wings’ defenceman, Chris Chelios has decided to put off retirement, for at least another year          

This 46 year-old, who is a three time Stanley Cup winner, knows that at this stage of his career, he won’t be getting a lot of ice time, and will be counted on to mentor the young Red Wings’ defenceman.

“Obviously, in my situation and age, and being on the best team in the league, you have some young guys on the team that haave to be played; or you’re going to lose them,” said Chelios, who broke into the NHL back in 1983/84 with the Montreal Canadiens. He will be playing in his 25th season . “I undersatnd — and I like playing here. Chelios, who has also spent time with the Chicago Blackhawks in his Hall Of Fame career, will be tutoring the young Wings’ blue liners, which includes Brett Lebda, Kyle Quincey, Derek Meech and Jonathan Ericcson. “These guys have to play — and it’s understandable,” Chelios said. “I’m just happy to be back, and I’m looking forward to another great year.”

This Chicago native, who is a sure first ballot hall of famer, is coming off arthroscopic knee surgery in late June, and after not playing in the finals last spring, many though that Chelios would retire.

“In the three rounds that I played, I felt that I contributed, and didn’t hurt the team’s chances to win,” he said. “We won (the Stanley Cup) which was the biggest thing.”

Still in great shape, Chelios, who dressed for 69 games last season and registered a +11, admitted that he almost retired following the 1998-99 season; but now the second oldest player ever to play in the NHL, isn’t predicting when he will hang up the skates.

“Obviously, the base is a little less than he made last year,” said Red Wings’ general manager, Ken Holland, talking about the one year 750,000 contract for this season.

“He’s anxious (about this year) but he’s in great shape.”

Sedin Brothers

This summer the Vancouver Canucks lost quite a bit of offensive fire- power as former team captain, Markus Naslund and veteran, Brendan Morrison opted for free agency; which brings up the question, are the Sedin twins far behind?

Heading into the upcoming season, Daniel who scored 74 points last season, and Henrick Sedin, who led the team with 76, are in the third and final year of their 10.75 million dollar contract, and according to agent, J.P. Barry, will be looking for a hefty raise.

“We just finished an extension for Shawn Horcoff (Edmonton Oilers), who did almost a carbon copy deal of the Sedins last time; and since that was done two years ago, Daniel and Henrik have outpaced him, quite a bit, offensively,” Barry told Team 1040 in Vancouver. Barry also compared his clients to forwards, Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, who both signed lucrative long terms deals with the New York Rangers last summer.

“They’ve outpaced both Gomez and Drury over the last three years. You know, they’ve outscored those players, and those players went free, so I think the question is what’s the price to stay? — and what’s the price to go?”

Vancouver fans will be keepings tabs on what happens Wednesday, when the twins, along with their agent, meet with rookie Canucks general manager, Mike Gillis. 

During this meeting, the two sides won’t be talking about a contract extension, but rather where the two fit into the Canucks’ future. “We need to get into that kind of detail, and we haven’t gotten there,” said Barry about where they fit into the future. “So until we get thru those discussions and terms, we probably won’t get to the dollar stage.”

The Sedin twins made up two thirds of their top scoring line last year, and once again, they will be counted on heavily to produce.

Canuck fans shutter to think of where their team will be without these two prized twins, who came to Vancouver as 18 year-olds, from Sweden in 1999.

 

Excited about Reading about Scorpi

Scorpi Tagebuch

This is a new section coming to the Hannover Scorpion website. Scorpi will keep you informed of weekly events with the Scorpions organization. This will be translated into Englsih so the Canadian and American players have th opportunity to be a part of the Scorpion family!

Scorpis Tagebuch:

Ui! Kaum ist der Sommer vorbei, geht es auch schon wieder rund hier bei den Scorpions. Die Jungs waren noch gar nicht wieder richtig hier in Hannover angekommen, da haben sie schon wieder ordentlich Gas gegeben. Ab ging`s in den Kraftraum oder aufs Fahrrad und abends noch aufs Eis. Und das alles, obwohl Hans Zach noch im schönen Bad Tölz weilte und das Training offiziell noch gar nicht angefangen hatte. Die Jungs konnten es nach der langen Pause einfach nicht abwarten, um wieder aufs Eis zu kommen, super!

Dann stand auch schon die Saisoneröffnungsfeier auf dem Programm – da war was los sag ich euch. Die Rockkantine gab ordentlich Gas auf der Bühne und unsere Profis hatten eine Menge Spaß bei der Spielervorstellung und dem anschließenden Bad in der Menge.

Die Sommerpause war nun also endgültig vorbei und unsere Trainer Hans Zach und „Küni“ Christian Künast baten die Spieler zum Training. Und glaubt es mir, das Programm hatte sich gewaschen. Gut, dass ich mich rechtzeitig aus dem Staub machen konnte, ich glaube, dass hätte ich nicht einmal zwei Tage durchgehalten: Jeden Tag 07.30 Uhr gemeinsam frühstücken, dann Gymnastik, Kraftraum, Fitnesstraining, zweimal pro Tag aufs Eis, 20.30 Uhr gemeinsames Abendessen…
Die Profis haben sich natürlich nichts anmerken lassen, aber als ich mal wieder heimlich hinter der Tür gelauscht habe, da hab ich dann doch was mitbekommen: „Das sind die härtesten Wochen im Jahr“ und ähnliches kam mir zu Ohren – also ganz so locker, wie die Jungs tun war`s dann wohl doch nicht J. Aber Scorpi wäre ja nicht Scorpi, wenn er sowas nicht rausfinden würde, hehe.

Aber es hat sich gelohnt, den Indianern haben wir in der TUI Arena ordentlich einen vor den Latz gehauen, da konnten die so laut singen wie sie wollten, wir sind einfach besser!

Diese Woche ging es dann für unsere Truppe über Frankfurt in die Schweiz. Fünf Spiele in sechs Tagen, meine Güte, dass soll man mal einem Fußballer erzählen. Die weinen ja schon bei zwei Spielen in einer Woche. Aber wir Eishockeyspieler sind einfach härter als die und stecken das auch weg!

Ich war in dieser Woche auch noch fleißig unterwegs. Samstag war ich den ganzen Tag im Heide Park Soltau, da war was los: Alles voller Kinder und ganz viele meiner Maskottchen Kollegen waren auch im Park, das war anstrengend! Kaum komme ich wieder Heim und möchte mich im Keller der TUI Arena etwas ausruhen (da die Scorpions ja in der Schweiz sind) – wieder nichts. Tummelt sich doch das ganze Wochenende unser Nachwuchs in der Arena rum. Trainingslager mit Fiete „Zickzack“ Bögelsack und Rainer und Tore sind auch noch da und schieben mit Fiete Extraschichten auf dem Eis, um nach ihren Verletzungen wieder richtig Gas geben zu können – selbst nachmittags brummte die ganze Zeit das Fahrrad im Fitnessraum. Wie soll ich mich da in Ruhe auf die lange Saison vorbereiten? Was soll`s, schlafen kann ich ja im nächsten Sommer wieder genug.

Jetzt freu` ich mich erst mal auf nächste Woche! Da spiele ich mit dem „Gouche“ Kerry Goulet, Christoph Stein-Schneider, Thomas Dolak,  Patrick Köppchen und noch zwei von unseren treuen Scorpions-Fans unsere neue Scorpions-Hymne ein! Das wird nicht nur ein Hit, sondern bestimmt auch eine riesen Gaudi! Das erzähl ich dann aber nächste Woche!

Tschüss, euer Scorpi        

Jay Bouwmeester is the Real Deal

 

The Florida Panthers have chosen to be optimistic and not worry about the future when it comes to the recent signing of their young number one defenceman Jay Bouwmeester.

Drafted third overall by Florida in the 2002 draft, this soft- spoken Alberta native, who show cased lots of potential during his tenure with Medicine Hat of the WHL, has shown steady improvement in his first five years with the Panthers.

Bouwmeester, who had a career high of 15 goals last season, and ranked among the leaders in ice time for defenceman (27 minutes and 28 seconds), agreed to only a one- year deal with Florida worth 4.875 million dollars.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Jay,” Panthers GM Jacques Martin said about his 24 year-old. “He has played an important role on our team over the last five seasons, logging significant ice time while contributing at both ends of the ice.”

While it’s great news for Florida fans, there is some potential bad news and that’s the fact Bouwmeester, who played in all 82 regular season games over the past three years, expressed a desire to test the free agent market next summer.

The Panthers originally wanted to sign this six foot four, 215 pounder to a long term deal but instead settled on the one year deal and in the process avoided arbitration. “While we recognized that arbitration was an option, we were always confident that we would reach a mutually acceptable contract with Jay,” said Martin. “We look forward to his continued growth and future contributions to our organization.”

Expressing his desire to be an unrestricted free agent next summer, it’s hard to imagine that this emerging blue liner who has accumulated 161 points thus far in 389 professional games, will be wearing a Panthers sweater after next season’s trading deadline.