Florida Panthers’ GM Dale Tallon calls New York Rangers’ Wojtek Wolski trade best choice-NHL News
The only thing Florida Panthers want from their new right wing, Wojtek Wolski, is repetition of the same form that he displayed while playing for Phoenix Coyotes and guided them into the playoffs in the National Hockey League (NHL) season 2010.
Wolski, who has just joined Panthers as a result of a trade with the New York Rangers, did not say if the team was expecting too much from him, but general manager, Dale Tallon, remains hopeful that the player will make the same kind of splash.
In 2010, Wolski parted ways with the Colorado Avalanche to join Coyotes, who were struggling to find their touch at that moment.
With the score of 18 points, including six goals, he helped Coyotes into the playoffs. He was credited for the success and consequently made headlines.
Now, Panthers expect the same from him after they confirmed his joining in trade with Rangers in exchange for the minor-league defenseman and third-round 2013 NHL draft pick, Mike Vernace.
The team’s GM has backed the player to give his best to the side, which is presently riddled with multiple injury problems at the offensive positions. This has affected the team’s performance.
Tallon said:
"I look for him to give us some options on the power play and overtime and shootouts, which have been a struggle for us this year."
He added:
"Looking at our offensive production of late and our shootout record, we felt we had to add some piece to our offense that didn't interfere with what we're trying to do long-term as well."
Wolski has remained the key to Rangers’ offence, but unfortunately he has not played any game since January 15, due to a groin injury.
With the looming trade deadline of February 27, 2012, the team’s management spoke of lack of options before them and asserted that the selection of Wolski is the best among the available options.
The GM said:
"There weren't many options, and this was an option we felt was an addition, who has a chance to play here for many years if he has success over the last 23 games."
During the past week, this was the second trade for the Panthers, who yet refrained from ruling out the possibility of picking up more players from the market before it shuts down on Monday (February 27).
Tallon said that the management would not sit still and mortgage the future. Yet, he did not specify the areas that they might be targeting in the potential trade.
Wolski joins Panthers following the arrival of another forward, Jerred Smithson, from Nashville. The team has traded him in exchange for a sixth-round 2012 draft prize.
Other terms of both the deals are not made public.
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