2008-09 Florida Panthers Preview By Dan Di Sciullo, NHL Editor
(Sports Network) - The Florida Panthers have been stuck in neutral for the
better part of this decade and it would be a surprise if the 2008-09 edition
of the Cats kicked it into high gear.
The Panthers haven't made the playoffs since 2000, giving them the longest
current postseason drought in the NHL. In a move that's not likely going to
help the club end that slump this year, the Panthers traded franchise
centerman Olli Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes for defensemen Nick Boynton and
Keith Ballard.
Florida also made a coaching switch over the ... More...
Janis Sprukts has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the Panthers, according to the AP. Panthers' GM Jacques Martin said, "We are happy that Janis has decided to return to the Panthers organization after spending a year in Finland. He has played a few games at the NHL level and understands what it takes to make it back there."
Panthers' GM Jacques Martin said Tuesday afternoon that he doesn't expect suspended winger Chad Kilger to play for Florida this season, according to the Miami Herald. Despite that Kilger's Toronto Maple Leafs were staying in Fort Lauderdale at the time, Kilger never reported to the Panthers. Initially, Florida allowed him to return to Canada because of family issues. Kilger was later suspended from the team without pay after failing to join the team. Kilger is scheduled to make $700,000 this season, but since he is suspended, Florida will not be required to pay Kilger unless he changes his mind and reports to camp. Martin said, "He's still dealing with some personal issues, and at this point, I don't think he'll be playing. We still hold his rights. He's indicated to me that if he were to play, he'd want to play for us. We're not the issue."
After multiple wrist surgeries, Mike Van Ryn stated he is ready to return to top form with the Panthers, according to the Miami Herald. He said, "I feel awesome now. I look at other guys around the league. It took Edmonton Oilers' defenseman Sheldon Souray a while to get his right. It can be a difficult surgery. I'm just excited to play, try and contribute and help the Panthers win some games."
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