Florida Panthers Showcase Draft Wizardry
The Florida Panthers decided to start some roster commotion before the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft had even begun.
The Panthers traded star defenceman Keith Ballard and right wing prospect Victor Oreskovich to the Vancouver Canucks in a five-man deal. In exchange, the Panthers received Steve Bernier and Michael Grabner, as well as the 25th pick in the first round of the draft. The Panthers then used that pick on left wing Quinton Howden of the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors. Last season, Howden put up an impressive 65 points in just as many games.
After all this, Panthers' general manager Dale Tallon now had pick No. 3, No. 15, and No. 25, but decided that it wasn’t enough. Tallon, who is renowned for drafting the core line up behind the Chicago Blackhawk’s Stanley Cup success, decided to obtain another pick in the Draft. He moved the No. 15 selection to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for No. 19 and No. 59.
Tallon used the 19th pick to further strengthen the Panthers’ offence by drafting Minnesota Mr. Hockey Nick Bjugstad. The young towering centre, whose father also played professionally, is currently slated to attend the University of Minnesota to play hockey.
Ballard was most likely not that shocked, as he has been the epicentre of a Draft-day dealing before. The Panthers acquired Ballard from the Phoenix Coyotes two years ago on draft night. Ballard’s departure will temporarily harm the Panthers, but he simply does not fit into Tallon’s rebuilding process. Although last season Ballard played in every game and finished with 28 points, his deal of $4.2 million per year for five years is simply too much to take on for a team that is attempting to rebuild through youth.
Tallon described the 2011 Draft by saying:"We feel great; it was a great turning point for our franchise. This was a very successful day at the draft. We filled some needs with some good, young players. I'm very elated with what happened [Friday]. I'm elated.”
Though he has experience in being traded, Ballard did note that leaving Florida was slightly bitter-sweet. "I wanted to be part of the solution in Florida,'' Ballard said. "I'm going to a great hockey team in a great city with a chance to win. Initially, the idea of being traded I didn't like.''
Ballard’s spot will most likely be filled by the Panthers’ top pick, Erik Gudbranson. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound physical defenceman showed strong performances for the Ontario Hockey league’s Kingston Frontenacs. If his size and strength combine well with NHL-level training, Gudbranson will be filling the shot-blocking, hard-hitting shoes of Ballad extremely soon.
The two forwards acquired from Vancouver are young but have shown signs of promise. Last season, Bernier had 22 points on 11 goals and 11 assists in 59 games for Vancouver. Grabner had 48 points playing for Manitoba in the American Hockey League early in the season, and then had another 11 points in the 20 games played after he was called from the minors.
Tallon continues to show just why he might be the NHL’s most effective GM. Every aspect of his dealings was meticulous and beneficial to the Panthers. Although Ballard’s departure is unfortunate, Florida was in a position to draft a similar young defenceman. Tallon then turned Ballard and the struggling
Oreskovich, who had just six points in 50 games with Florida this year, into two young prospective forwards and a draft pick. He then turned the draft pick into two draft picks, while only losing four selection slots.
Tallon’s managing ability seems unparalleled for now, but for this to be a success it has to work on the ice as well as on paper.
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