Florida Panthers Finally Unveil Preseason Schedule

The Panthers came out with their preseason schedule on Tuesday, with no major changes from what we've already known.

For the first time in a long time, the Panthers will host four exhibition games in Sunrise. Of course, two of those games will be held on one night. Florida plays host to the Preds for a double-header on Sept. 19 -- just two days after the team takes the ice for the first time. Training camp opens Saturday Sept. 17.

The Panthers will also host the Lightning and Stars; Florida will visit the Lightning and Stars.

For the first time probably in franchise history, the Panthers will not spend a single night of training camp outside the Sunshine State. Florida will fly to Dallas the day of the game on Sept. 29 and fly home immediately following the game. Then the team has a week to get ready for the 2011-12 season opener.

We're getting closer.

2011 PRESEASON SCHEDULE:
Mon., Sept. 19  vs. Nashville Predators    BankAtlantic Center 3:00 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 19  vs. Nashville Predators    BankAtlantic Center 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept 23     @  Tampa Bay Lightning   St. Pete Times Forum 7:30 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 24   vs. Tampa Bay Lightning  BankAtlantic Center 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Sept. 27  vs. Dallas Stars  BankAtlantic Center 7:30 p.m.
Thu., Sept.29  @ Dallas Stars  American Airlines Center 8:30 p.m.

Pete DeBoer Lands in Jersey; Former Panthers Coach now with Devils

Pete DeBoer hasn't been an assistant coach in a long time. When I went to visit him in Kitchener, Ont., back when he first got the Panthers head coaching job, he told me he had his chances to be an NHL assistant coach.

He never took those jobs. He was waiting for a head gig, and he got that chance when Jacques Martin offered him the Panthers job in 2008.

(Photo courtesy Francis Micklow/The Star-Ledger)

With a young family, DeBoer didn't think it would be right to move them year after year. As little job security a head coach has, an assistant has even less.

There were reports today that DeBoer was offered jobs as an assistant coach with both the Flames and Red Wings. When I asked him about the Detroit job a few weeks ago, DeBoer was non-committal. "Don't worry,'' he said, "I'll be fine.''

A few people at the draft told me not to expect DeBoer to take any of the assistant jobs that may open.

"He's waiting for a head job to open up,'' one told me. "He'll sit out the year if he has to. Let the Panthers pay him what they owe him. He'll get something next year.''

Turns out the Panthers are most likely off the hook for the estimated $1 million they owe DeBoer for the final year of his contract.

DeBoer's patience -- well, he was only fired in April -- paid off Tuesday as he was introduced as the new coach of the New Jersey Devils.

Lou Lamoriello hired a good man for his coaching position, a guy who learned a lot during his days in Florida. There's little doubt DeBoer clashed with veteran players and front office personnel in Florida. When he saw a guy loafing, he let them know. When he didn't think he had a team that could win, he let Dale Tallon or Mike Santos know about it.

It rubbed some the wrong way and DeBoer was fired by the Panthers.

Again, he'll be better for it. DeBoer is no longer a "junior" coach as some players never stopped thinking of him as. In New Jersey, DeBoer is now known as the guy who coached a crummy Panthers team that got rave reviews from scouts and opponents alike for its grit and competitiveness.

In his presser today, DeBoer said he "did it my way in Florida" and there's no doubt about that. He made mistakes along the way, but he did more good here than bad. And he learned a ton -- and now knows the league much better -- while here.

DeBoer should do fine in New Jersey as he inherits a team with a defensive, team-first mentality. It's also an organization that expects to win. DeBoer knows that.

DeBoer had never been fired before being told by Tallon that he was done (and I've heard that conversation was the first the two had engaged in for some time).

DeBoer knows Lamoriello's impatient nature, although Lou was very patient with this coaching search. DeBoer said the two talked soon after the season ended and only spoke a few times before Lamoriello called Tuesday morning with the good news.

And it's a good thing DeBoer likes the burger joint right next to the Prudential Center in Newark.

It looks like he's going to be dining there a lot from now on.

-- FYI: DeBoer and the Devils make their first trip to Sunrise as the opener to Thanksgiving Week on Monday, Nov. 21. The Panthers visit Newark on Jan. 6 and Feb. 11. Looking forward to both of those games in Newark. Really? Jan. 6 and Feb. 11? Come on!

Baggage Claimed: Nathan Horton's Day with Cup Delayed

Nathan Horton brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Dunnville, Ontario, on Sunday with the small town holding a parade in his honor.

Horton came empty handed however and arrived late to the party. Horton flew from Boston to Buffalo, thinking the Cup was on board the plane. It wasn't.

Horton was delayed to Dunnville trying to locate where the Cup was. It was put on a later flight to Buffalo. I was delayed once on a trip from Buffalo to Dunnville, but that's only because there was a really long line at the Tim Hortons on the other side of the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.

The airline in question? You can read all about it here.

The pic above is a hint.

Apparently you can't buy a seat for the Cup and fly with it next to you on a domestic, commercial flight.

A charter? Different story.

No word on whether Pete DeBoer, also from Dunnville, was hanging out along the parade route.

OnFrozenFilm: Dale Tallon and Erik Gudbranson (Florida Panthers Signing Day)

Erik Gudbranson Signs with Florida Panthers ... Dale Tallon: "He's the Real Deal, a Big Piece of the Puzzle.''

As they were walking out the door together, Panthers general manager Dale Tallon put his hand on Erik Gudbranson's shoulder and said “you're paying for dinner.''

After the day Gudbranson had, no problem.

The Panthers signed the third overall pick of the 2010 draft on Friday with Gudbranson agreeing toa three-year entry level deal that includes a signing bonus as well as various performance bonuses if he makes the Panthers out of training camp.

“We're really excited and really proud. He was the first pick of the new regime and he was a great pick, a great kid,'' Tallon said following the close of the Panthers prospect development camp on Friday morning.

“It's great to have this done with. The business side is a part of it and you have to deal with it. It worked out the way we wanted it. It would have been nice for him to play for us last year, but I'd rather have him at 26 than at 18. We're delighted and excited. He's the real deal, a big piece of the puzzle.''

Gudbranson was the first player drafted in Florida under Tallon's watch although he wasn't the first player acquired by the Panthers new management team in 2010. Tallon traded Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Bruins for Dennis Wideman and a first round draft pick a few days prior to selecting Gudbranson at the 2010 draft held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

After being told he made the team out of training camp, Gudbranson didn't accept the Panthers contractual offer. Because of the impasse, Gudbranson was returned to his junior team in Kingston, Ontario.

Gudbranson, 18-years-old at the time, was obviously upset things didn't work out. He now admits he is better for the experience. Gudbranson scored 12 goals for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League last year and helped Team Canada reach the championship game at the World Juniors last January. Canada lost to Russia in the gold medal game held at Buffalo's HSBC Arena.

“I think I'm more experienced,'' Gudbranson said. “I've already been through an NHL camp, I've put on 20 pounds since then. I feel a lot stronger and faster and I worked on my offensive game. That came into play.''

With two months to go before the start of training camp, the Panthers have locked up what appears to be their final major player. Restricted free agent Shawn Matthias still need to be signed, but the Panthers are happy to have Gudbranson locked up.

The Panthers have yet to sign center Jonathan Huberdeau, the third overall selection in 2011.

“It's always nice to have a top prospect under contract,'' assistant general manager Mike Santos said. “But I'll start on the next top prospect tomorrow. There's always another guy to sign.''

Gudbranson will compete for a spot on this year's team as it appears likely the Panthers will carry seven defensemen. Tallon said on Thursday that the Panthers will take “the best 23 players” following training camp, meaning the team plans to have three more players than required.

Florida currently has five defensemen -- Dmitry Kulikov is in his third season -- signed to one-way contracts and Gudbranson cannot play in the American Hockey League because of his age.

Gudbranson will either play for the Panthers this coming season or for his junior team. Gudbranson could also start the season with the Panthers with Florida having the option of sending him back to the OHL as long as he only plays in nine games. After that tenth game, Gudbranson's first season is in the books.

“It's nice that I can come to the rink and just play hockey,'' Gudbranson said, wearing a blue Panthers warm up suit. “I've always been excited to come to the rink. This is great place to play. I've been excited to come to Florida and do that. My dream is still there. I'm going to make sure I'm here.''

Gudbranson and the Panthers have repeatedly downplayed reports out of Canada that the two sides had acrimonious relations. Gudbranson had apparently been upset with the Panthers for sending him back to his junior team last year; the Panthers weren't happy with his development.

Tallon, Santos and Gudbranson all said none of that was true and the relatively quick signing of Gudbranson seems to prove that. Gudbranson didn't have to sign with the Panthers so early in the summer and could have pushed the issue through training camp – at the very least. Gudbranson could have left the Panthers organization and re-entered the draft had he not signed by next year.

It's obvious neither side wanted to go that route.

“I left it up to my agent to work on the business side so I just came to the rink and played,'' Gudbranson said. “This is a big achievement, but yet just a little step. This is a big team to make, this is the National Hockey League, the best league in the world. I'm going to work my tail off to be here next year, to make the team and make a difference.''

ERIK GUDBRANSON

Position: Defense

Height, weight: 6-4, 220

Hometown: Orleans, Ontario

Opening night age: 19

How acquired: Third overall selection, 2010 NHL Draft

Scouting report: Gudbranson scored 12 goals last season in junior, but he'll do more without the puck than with hit. A strong skater, Gudbranson is more than willing to use his size as he hits anything that moves. Gudbranson says he added 20 pounds in the past year and although he may get beat by more experienced players right now, he didn't look out of place in camp last year and won't back down from anyone.

 

OFFICIAL PANTHERS RELEASE

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to terms on an entry level contract with D Erik Gudbranson.

“Erik is one of our top draft picks that we are pleased to have signed,” said Tallon. “He is a big, strong, and mobile defenseman, who has demonstrated tremendous work ethic, character and passion for the game. He is a strong, young player with mental and physical toughness who continues to grow and develop in his role. We look forward his continued contributions to the Panthers organization both on and off the ice.”

Gudbranson, 19, was drafted by Florida with their first selection (third overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. The Ottawa, Ontario native played in all six  of the Panthers 2010 preseason games, recording two points (1-1-2) and 17 PIM.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound defenseman appeared in 44 games for Kingston (OHL) during the 2010-11 season scoring 12 goals with 22 assists and 105 PIM.  For his career in Kingston, Gudbranson has played in 148 contests registering 79 points (17-62-79) and 242 PIM.

On the international level, Gudbranson played for Team Canada at the 2011 World Junior Championship earning a Silver medal. He also played for Canada’s Under-18 team in Belarus at the 2010 IIHF World Championship and 2009 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

The Florida Panthers Young Big 3: Gudbranson, Bjugstad and Howden ... Airboats, Boxing, Gators and Beach Volleyball ... Weston's Cody Payne Makes Team USA Under-18

A few days after being fired as coach of the Panthers, Pete DeBoer was asked about the franchise's core players. Instead of talking about established players such as David Booth or Stephen Weiss, DeBoer said the future success of the Panthers would be in the hands of the three teenagers drafted in the first round last summer.

Erik Gudbranson, Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden give the Panthers a good shot of hope for the near future as well as down the road. All three players have yet to celebrate their 20th birthday, with two of the players – Gudbranson and Howden – potentially being on the team this year. Bjugstad will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota this coming season.

“We've bonded a little, created some relationships,'' Bjugstad said of his fellow 2010 first round teammates. “I think we're going to be good friends over the next couple of years.''

The Panthers hope the three have plenty of success and are forever linked together. The Panthers had to do some serious maneuvering to get three picks in last year's first round. Florida owned the third overall pick (Gudbranson) before acquiring the 19th overall selection (Bjugstad) in the Nathan Horton/Gregory Campbell deal with the Bruins. Florida also scored the 25th pick (Howden) from the Canucks.

“They are ready to make the next step,'' said Scott Luce, the Panthers director of amateur scouting. “I think there is no question that you look at those three selections as a turning point in our organization. In five years from now, I hope we're all looking back saying that was the first piece of the puzzle that [GM] Dale Tallon was able to get.''

All three players have looked strong at the Panthers prospect camp currently held at the team's training facility in Coral Springs. Friday is the final session of the camp with the first group on the ice at 9 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

Howden had such a strong junior season last year that the Panthers quickly offered him his entry level contract, the first draftee from Florida's Class of 2010 to be signed. Howden, who scored 40 goals with 79 points in 60 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League, is expected to make a strong push for a spot on the Panthers out of training camp.

The Panthers, as well as the rest of the hockey world, have taken notice. Not only did Howden light up the WHL last season, but he was strong at the World Juniors in Buffalo, with his highlight goal in the semifinals helping knock off Team USA.

“I was there for a couple of games where he scored goals where had there been better camera work in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, he would have had the goal of the year,'' said Brian Skrudland, the former Panthers captain who is now the team's director of player development.

“They're building a new rink there with better lighting, but hopefully we'll never see him back in Moose Jaw. The guy is just full of highlight goals. And lets face it, the Panthers need some highlight type players.''

Howden says this camp has been good for him as he gets acclimated to the Panthers organization and South Florida in general. When he comes to town in September for rookie camp with training camp to follow, it's all business.

“I'm just trying to enjoy it all. It's been a whirlwind,'' Howden said. “I'm trying to soak things in right now, enjoy the atmosphere. There's always a chance for someone ready for camp. I'm going to do what I do and hope for the best.''

Bjugstad will not be attending Florida's rookie camp nor training camp this summer as he'll be back in school. Minnesota's Mr. Hockey in 2010, Bjugstad took a fast track in high school and entered Minnesota a year early. After a slow start, Bjugstad – who turns 19 on July 17 -- finished his season with eight goals.

Minnesota had a disappointing season but have high hopes for 2011-12. The Panthers seem fine watching the 6-foot-4 center develop with one of the top collegiate programs in the nation. They do, however, expect to see Bjugstad compete for a job with the big club sooner than later.

“I thought things ended pretty well so I'm looking forward to this coming year,'' said Bjugstad, who battled a case of mononucleosis early in the season. “It was a big adjustment coming from high school and mono didn't help. But no excuse. I knew it would be a big jump and by the year I think I finished up strong.''

SOUTH FLORIDA FUN

The Panthers prospects have enjoyed the local sights and sounds of South Florida during this camp. After Tuesday's workouts, the players went out into the Everglades where they watched an alligator wrestling display before heading out on an airboat.

Wednesday's workout was on Deerfield Beach where the players also took in some beach volleyball.

Former championship boxer Micky Ward spoke to the team on Wednesday night. Ward and Santos are both from Lowell, Mass., and have been friends for some time.

“I just told them that coming into the league was going to be different than what they know,'' said Ward, whose life was portrayed in the movie 'The Fighter' by Mark Wahlberg.

“They need to work hard, play hard and don't be intimidated because you haven't been there. Just play hockey and give it your all. Have fun. Enjoy it.''

-- Center Cody Payne from Weston was selected to play for Team USA Under-18 Select Team at the upcoming Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament being held in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Payne, who played for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL last season, started playing hockey for the Junior Wolves out of Pines Ice Arena. Payne will be eligible for the 2012 NHL draft.
 

 

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Brian Skrudland

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon, Part 2 of 2

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon, Part 1 of 2

It Ain't Easy Seeing Red: Science Says it's Tough Being a Panthers Fan

The Business Journals recently released a study in which they determined how hard it was to root, root, root for the home team.

It's tough being a Panthers fan, no doubt. Apparently a scientific formula backs that up.

According to this report, the Panthers ranked sixth in the league as it pertains on how rough it is to follow the team.

Apparently it's much tougher to root for the Coyotes, Islanders, Blues, Leafs and Kings. It's very easy, according to this, to root for the Red Wings, Penguins, Ducks, Hurricanes (that 2006 title goes a long way) and Devils.

The Dolphins are also ranked sixth hardest-to-root-for in the NFL index (the Browns are second-toughest, and I get that). The Heat are fifth-easiest to root for in the NBA, with the Marlins being 10th easiest in baseball.

Here's how the On Numbers fan difficulty index was computed; bascially they generated ratings for all 122 teams in the four major sports. Winning championships, or at least doing well in the playoffs, really helps teams in the this poll.

That said, the Panthers should have done much, much, worse since "half of each team's score was tied to its performance during the past 10 seasons.'' The Panthers, as we all well know, haven't been to the playoffs in those years. 

"The higher the score, the worse a team's performance -- and the more difficult it is to support. Positive scores indicate a higher-than-average degree of difficulty. Negative scores mean that a team is relatively easy to root for.''

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers/Minnesota Gophers Center Nick Bjugstad

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Winger Quinton Howden

OnFrozenFilm: 'The Fighter' Micky Ward Visits the Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers Prospect Camp: The Numerical Roster

The Panthers prospects return to the ice on Thursday at 9 a.m.; they will also have a workout at 9 on Friday. And then that's it until rookie camp comes to town in September.

Anyway, here's a quick cheatsheet on the guys there in case you didn't get a roster today.

11 -- C Jonathan Huberdeau
25 -- G Jacob Markstrom
29 -- G Sergei Gayduchenko
31 -- G Marc Cheverie
33 -- G Brian Foster
39 -- C Nick Bjugstad
40 -- C Drew Shore
42 -- LW Quinton Howden
44 -- D Erik Gudbranson
45 -- C John McFarland
46 -- C Connor Brickley
47 -- D Colby Robak
48 -- C Rocco Grimaldi
50 -- C Zach Hyman
53 -- RW Josh Birkholz
54 -- LW Corey Durocher
56 -- D Adam Comrie
57 -- LW Garrett Wilson
58 -- D Jonathan Racine
59 -- LW A.J. Jenks
61 -- RW Joe Basaraba
64 -- RW Joonas Donskoi
67 -- C Vincent Trocheck
68 -- RW Logan Shaw
70 -- RW Jonathan Hazen
72 -- D Alex Petrovic
75 -- C Scott Timmins
76 -- LW Eric Selleck
78 -- C Corban Knight
79 -- C David Pacan
80 -- RW Anthony Luciani
81 -- D John Lee
83 -- D Derrick LaPoint
84 -- D R.J. Boyd
85 -- D Malcolm Lyles

Erik Gudbranson and Florida Panthers: It's All Good

Erik Gudbranson had what it took to be on the Florida Panthers last season. After a strong training camp, one in which he appeared in all six exhibition games, then-coach Pete DeBoer said the 18-year-old rookie defenseman played good enough to be a part of the Panthers. General manager Dale Tallon said the same thing.

And then he wasn't.

Gudbranson, now 19, didn't play for the Panthers last season save for the preseason schedule, the third overall pick of the 2010 draft being sent back to his junior team in Kingston, Ontario, after he and the team couldn't come to a contractual agreement. After being returned to the Frontenacs, Gudbranson said DeBoer told him he was at least going to start the season in Florida.

Tuesday, Gudbranson was back on the ice at the Panthers training facility in Coral Springs for the first time since last summer. It's been a long year for Gudbranson, one he hopes only made him stronger. And at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he sure doesn't look weak.

“It was a very up-and-down year. I started on such an absolute high here in Florida with the Panthers,'' Gudbranson said to a large gathering of media following the opening day of the Panthers developmental camp. “Then there was a low when I was sent back. .-.-. I think I played my best hockey in the second half of the season and toward the playoffs. I say this with all due respect, but I wanted to be here. It was a little frustrating. But I think I made the best of it, made some positive energy.''

Since leaving town last October, much has been made of the Panthers dealings with Gudbranson and his representation. Gudbranson's agent is reportedly seeking the top dollar bonuses other players selected third overall – such as Colorado's Matt Duchane and Atlanta's Zach Bogosian – have received recently.

The Panthers didn't want to pay that last season and Gudbranson, despite attending this camp, is still without a contract. If Gudbranson doesn't sign by next year, he could re-enter the draft.

Mike Santos, Florida's assistant general manager, says that will not happen. Santos has repeatedly said a deal will be struck “soon” and Gudbranson will have a shot to make the Panthers out of camp this season.

“It's good to see him here,'' Santos said. “He has terrific potential, as big as he is, you can't teach that. He's going to be a terrific NHL player. Since the day we drafted him, we said we're not going to rush him. He'll determine when he's ready [by his play] and this camp is another step in the learning process for him. I don't think he was disappointed in last season. We sure weren't. He's doing fine. He's on track. We have the luxury now of not having to rush these kids. We didn't have that before.''

Reports out of Canada suggested the Panthers and Gudbranson have been at odds because of the contract. Gudbranson didn't seem to be upset with the Panthers in any way on Tuesday.

“I have nothing but respect for this organization,'' he said. “I'm extremely proud to be a Florida Panther. It's going to stay like that forever. I've been nothing but happy with my experience here.''

Statistically, Gudbranson had the best season of his career last year. In 44 games for the Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League, Gudbranson scored 12 goals (his previous high was two) and 22 assists.

Yet it was a rough year. Gudbranson was suspended for a game and temporarily stripped of alternate captaincy after getting into an argument with a coach. In his next game out, Gudbranson was suspended for eight games after a monster hit on Oshawa center J.P. Labardo. Gudbranson was lauded by the Panthers for the hit because he was coming to the aid of goalie Philipp Grubauer after he was run by Labardo.

Gudbranson admits he “at 18, was a little underdeveloped” last summer and says he has put on 20 pounds of muscle since the Panthers last saw him. Tallon has said there's a spot open for Gudbranson if he takes it during training camp. As was the case last year, Gudbranson could play in nine games – with a contract, of course – and still be returned to his junior team. 

Florida is deep on defense, something he doesn't seem to mind.

“More competition is better,'' Gudbranson said. “This is a better team. I'm sure you could look at it that because we picked up some new guys it will make it tougher on me. But at the end of the day, we're a better team. That's all that matters. I'm really excited about what's going on here.''

-- The Panthers added a defenseman on Tuesday, signing 26-year-old Tyson Strachan to a one-year deal. Strachan, who played at Ohio State, played in 29 games for St. Louis last year. Most of his professional career has been played in the minors.

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Coach Kevin Dineen

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Goalie Jacob Markstrom

Florida Panthers Prospects: Markstrom's Knee Feels Fine; No Problems, Says Gudbranson; D Tyson Strachan Signs

Some news and notes from Panthers prospect camp:

-- Goalie Jacob Markstrom did not participate in the on-ice stuff after having knee surgery (repaired meniscus) last season.

He says the knee is doing well, but there's no reason to rush things since it's only July. True that.

Markstrom also said he's looking forward to getting this season going. He seemed a lot more comfortable and confident than when we first met him last summer. He knows the Panthers organization now, knows the area much better. That would make anyone relaxed.

-- Assistant general manager Mike Santos continued to refute reports out of Canada that the Panthers and Erik Gudbranson's camp have had their differences. Santos also repeated previous statements that a deal will get done.

Gudbranson, for his part, says there is no animosity and that he's “happy” to be a member of the Florida Panthers.

He completely expects to be with the Panthers this year and has told some that he doesn't think he's returning to his junior team in Kingston, Ontario.

As far as some of Gudbranson's blow ups go, the Panthers have already dismissed them and have no problem with this guy. And they shouldn't. He's going to be a beast. Good hockey mind, good head on his shoulders. I'm thinking a lot of stuff got blown up last year.

-- The Panthers made another move today, signing free agent defenseman Tyson Strachan on a one-year, two way contract.

Strachan, 26, has played in 67 career NHL games -- all with St. Louis (2008-11). He's 6-foot-3 and played at Ohio State from 2003-07.

He should be a nice depth addition to the blue line.

More later. Don't forget to check out the videos from today.

The kids return to the ice Thursday at 9 a.m. Great crowd today.  

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Center Jonathan Huberdeau

OnFrozenFilm: Florida Panthers Center Rocco Grimaldi