Sunday, June 8, 2008

Wade Redden on Top of JM's List

PALM BEACH POST: Brian Biggane reports of speculation Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin could target Senators defenseman Wade Redden when he hits this summer’s UFA market. Martin coached Redden in Ottawa and because of his decline in performance it’s believed the blueliner could be had for $4.5 million per season. Other potential targets could include Brian Campbell, John-Michael Liles, Mark Streit and Detroit’s Brad Stuart.


Redden would be my top choice for many reasons:

He plays almost every game every season.
He is a great puck mover and shot on the PP
He is a leader
Has experience
Played for JM before in Ottawa
Playing with Bouwmeester will make Bouwmeester even better. (Canada pair once)
Has size and can HIT!

Campbell is more of a offensive guy, we need more defensive minded guys who go in the trenches and take hits and give hits for the Panthers. Redden would be the best pickup since ................................. well I don't no, so it would make me happy.

Jokinen also looks as good as done in a Panther uniform. It really bothers me that they want him gone while he on the other hand wants to stay and make this team a winning team. They should compliment him and bring in a 1st line-mate to get this team over the hump and into the playoffs.

It's the Panthers so they will almost always make the wrong move!

4 comments:

Stanley C. said...

I really don't see any positive coming out of losing Olli, barring some miracle trade coming through.

Redden would be a no-brainer, great step up on the blue line. It'll be interesting to see who else goes for him and how high the cost might be. But another top-notch blueliner might help stop that "leading the league in shots against" streak.

ASponge said...

I would love to get Redden, but not at the price of letting Olli go.

Why can't the Panthers spend an extra buck for a change?

Imber said...

I'm not sold on Redden. Most Sens fans I know are saying good riddance. They call him a cancer in the locker room and nowhere near the money he will fetch. Defense is the last position Florida needs to think about with Bo (hopefully), Allen, Cullimore, Montador, Welch, Skrastins, Johansson, and Van Ryn all possibly ready to go next season. The Panthers need to concentrate on forwards. Let's also not forget Olli's abysmal +/-. He's very expendable at the right price.

Imber said...

Not to mention, signing Redden may be Jacques way of showing Bouwmeester is a goner. We'd definitely get the raw end of that trade off.