On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Tom Rowe said that they are discussing bringing in some veterans in on PTOs. Rowe added that coach Gerald Gallant would like to bring in a veteran depth defenseman on a PTO.
Harvey Fialkov: It hurt the Panthers to trade prospect Lawson Crouse, but management felt they couldn’t pass up getting rid of David Bolland’s contract.
Harvey Fialkov: Rowe said the extra money could now be used on extensions for Jonathan Huberdeau and Alex Petrovic. He added that it will also help them at the trade deadline.
On the remaining free agents …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slaphot: Earlier this week agent Steve Barlett was on WGR 550 radio and was talking about how there are still free agents out there.
“There’s not a lot of slots left,” observed player agent Steve Bartlett during an appearance on Buffalo’s WGR 550 Tuesday morning. “Obviously the general managers have the luxury of knowing there’s more players than there are spots, and they can afford to be patient. I hate to say it, but they’re holding the cards right now. I think ultimately, you will see a lot more tryouts. There’ll be some signings. There will be some guys that were holding out for one-way contracts that take two-ways, or whatever. But right now, it’s basically a buyer’s market with the GMs being the buyers.”
On Taylor Hall …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Former Oiler Taylor Hall was on TSN 1260 radio and was asked about if he’d consider returning to the Oilers when his contract expires – he has four years left on his deal.
“No, I don’t think I would,” said Hall. He added, “Right now, my focus is Jersey and playing my four years there. But I don’t think I would come back.”
Hall went on to say …
“… I certainly think that I’m focused on what I can do in Jersey. It’s so far away, but I don’t think – maybe something comes up and I’ll change my mind, but I don’t think that – I did my time there, and it’s time to move on.”