Bouwmeester Should be Traded Soon?

Bouwmeester's not long for Florida
By: Allan Muir
Sports Illustrated Article.


I'll never forget the first time I heard a scout gushing about a 14-year-old named Jay Bouwmeester. "I swore I'd never compare anyone to Bobby Orr," he gushed. "But that's exactly who this kid looks like."That scout wasn't the only one who dared invoke the name of the game's greatest defenseman -- and in my book, its greatest player -- when describing the potential of the young blueliner. It was his smooth skating, the effortless way he had of carrying the puck, his ability to make a game-changing play anywhere on the ice. This was a player who had a chance to be special.And while no one truly expected Bouwmeester to live up to Orr's unmatchable legacy, the hype dogged him through his final two seasons of junior, and through the early years of his NHL career. In fact, it took him until this past season before he truly looked capable of handling the role of franchise blueliner for the Florida Panthers.

His play hinted at an athlete who had finally grown comfortable in his own skin, someone ready to join the ranks of the game's elite defenders.But if he ever fulfills his potential, you can count on this: it won't happen while he's wearing a Panthers sweater.When Bouwmeester chose to forego arbitration and sign a one-year deal on Monday that is worth slightly less than $4.9 million, the signal was clear. He'll be the next in a heartbreaking line of Florida stars to desert that rudderless ship.Sure, the words coming out of the Bouwmeester camp in the wake of the agreement suggest that he would stay if only he could be swayed to believe the team is on the right track. Easy for him to say, because he already knows how this story is going to end.Who can blame him for seeking his emancipation?

The Panthers haven't been to the postseason in eight years, and in a tightly packed Eastern Conference where arguably only one playoff team, the New York Rangers, has slipped back, the chances of his club making the cut for the first time in Bouwmeester's pro career are slim. And despite years of high picks, there's little reason to believe that's going to change any time soon.Surely the parade of changing faces has been equally draining. Watching the team fail to keep Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen was painful enough, but add in the minimal return and it's a brutal reminder of an entrenched culture of mismanagement. So too is the fact that incoming coach Pete DeBoer is the fifth bench boss to guide the Cats since Bouwmeester joined the squad in 2002.

Despite the inevitable divorce that lies ahead, this deal is a good one for both sides. Worse comes to worst -- i.e. he spends the entire season in Florida -- Bouwmeester sets himself up to be an unrestricted free agent who can choose his own fate next summer.At the same time, his cap hit is manageable for almost every team, as long as a little salary comes back in the deal. That allows Florida GM Jacques Martin to entice the maximum number of suitors and maybe, finally, realize a reasonable return on the team's investment.So the only questions now are when Bouwmeester leaves, and for what?Conventional wisdom suggests that Martin keep his powder dry until the trade deadline, but that ain't gonna happen. Neither will he hold out until Jan. 1, 2009, the first point at which he can approach Bouwmeester about an extension.

The intentions of Bouwmeester are clear, so the time to pounce is early, perhaps during training camp. Not just because of the constant distraction that the situation will create, or the fear of an injury curtailing his value, although those factors certainly play into the equation. And not just because every game the Panthers lose further weakens Martin's bargaining power.No, they have to move Bouwmeeter asap in order to get the franchise moving in some direction -- hopefully forward -- rather than simply treading water.Who might be in the market? Who wouldn't be?The 6-4, 212 Bouwmeester is a package that any team would love to add. He's developed into the league's premier workhorse, leading the NHL in both total time on ice and average TOI per game last season. He hasn't taken a night off in three years.

The silky skating continues to be his primary asset, and his physical game is rounding nicely into shape. And while his point totals have dropped in each of the last two seasons (46 to 42 to 37), his goals have risen from five to 12 to 15, a sure sign of his increasing comfort with the puck and his improving ability to sniff out scoring chances. And Bouwmeester, the third overall pick in 2002, will have just turned 25 when the season begins in October.The Anaheim Ducks, already over the cap for this season, might seem like an unlikely candidate, but they'd have to be the leader in the clubhouse.

They have just one blueliner, Chris Pronger, under contract past this season and his deal extends only through 2009-10. The Dallas Stars, who could lose both Sergei Zubov and Philippe Boucher after this season, also should be in the running. The Senators and Devils also have the needs and the assets to get involved in the bidding.That particular process won't be for the meek. The package likely will be more than the one Atlanta won from Pittsburgh in the Marian Hossa deal (Colby Armstrong, Eric Christensen, top prospect Angelo Esposito and a 2008 first-round draft pick). Look for it to involve two high-end prospects with some NHL experience, a top junior-aged prospect and a first-rounder.That's steep, but for a special player like Bouwmeester, it's worth the risk.



If we can get more than what ATL got for Hossa, TRADE HIM NOW lol. I have no faith they will get a fair trade since they never do!

The Latest on Bouwmeester

His Arbitration hearing is scheduled for July.29.08

He has recently rejected a multi year contract extension from the Panthers worth a little over 5 million a year. It is apparent that the Panthers are low balling him since he is worth (to the team) about 6 million a year.

http://thefourthperiod.com/news/fla080723.html

Lets all keep in mind that Bouwmeester is the player who this organization was planning on building around. This organization also was planning on building around Luongo but didn't want to pay up. Jokinen was also "untouchable" and would not be traded by the Panthers.

The Panthers 3rd overall pick is about to pack his bags and leave Florida like so many other great players have before him. Its tradition in Pantherland to always trade away their best talent just to stay under the playoff line come the end of the season. At least the Panthers are consistent losers.

Lets Tie the Bouw?

This is taking way too long to sign Bouwmeester. Everyday without signing him is more and more likely that he is a goner. I do not see them doing a 1 year which will result in trading Bouwmeester for some scoring and a defensive player.

I think JM needs to just overpay and get the deal done. Bouwmeester is the most important player on this team, it would be a huge set back if he were to leave the sunshine state. So much for sunshine!

Bouwmeester, Trade or No Trade?

Panther fans, would you like to see JM trade Bouwmeester and get some value for him or sign him to one more year and possibly lose him if this team is unable to make the playoffs again?


If a long term deal is not made, I would trade him.


thoughts?

Panthers Outlook

If there’s one thing the Panthers have made clear this offseason, it is that defense is going to come first. These third period meltdowns led by nervous defenders are going to become a thing of the past. Although Florida doesn’t have much in terms of scoring depth at the moment, it appears as though the Cats are going to try a different strategy this season. One that hopefully will pay off.

It’s no secret that the Eastern Conference is full of speedy teams with scoring machines, especially in the Panthers very own Southeast Division. With Eric Staal leading the Hurricanes, Alex Ovechkin heading the Capitals attack, Ilya Kovalchuk taking the reigns for Atlanta, and now Steven Stamkos joining the ranks of Martin St. Louis and lifetime Lightning man himself Vinny Lecavalier in Tampa Bay, the Panthers have a virtual mine field in their path. Plus, the Panthers only borderline star is now on his way to Phoenix.

So how in the world can the Panthers compete come October? Florida is going to come out next season with a very different style; one reminiscent to the Western Conference. With a strong defensive core anchored by Bryan Allen, a product of a Western Canadian team, and now joined by two more western players, Florida should have the top defense in the division, and one of the best in the conference. The Panthers already have the best goaltender in the division, and it is clear the Panthers are building from the net, outwards.

While the Hurricanes will try to get by with Joe Corvo and Tim Gleason, Washington will try to contain forwards with Mike Green and Tom Poti. While Atlanta hopes draft pick Zach Bogosian can join Tobias Enstrom, Tampa Bay will keep the scoreboards lit with the 32 year olds Dan Boyle and Filip Kuba leading the way.

The Panthers defense looks so formidable right now, that losing potential stud Jay Bouwmeester would still leave the Cats with three pairings that could shut down any team. So while the Panthers are going to have to bank on young guns Shawn Matthias and Michael Frolik putting up decent numbers, they will bring a physical, Western Conference feeling to games next season.

Yes, we all hope that the Panthers will sign a couple of scoring threats during free agency, but it’s going to be defense first in Florida next season. No more 5-4 games on a nightly basis. Hopefully the Panthers can grind their way to a playoff appearance for the first time since the turn of the century.

Florida Panthers 2008 NHL Entry Draft

The Florida Panthers will have the 1st pick in the 2nd round. I personally do not think that they need to trade away one of the core assets for a 1st round pick.

It has been rumored for months that Bouwmeester and or Jokinen (Rumored for YEARS) will be dealt during the draft. I will be watching the draft this coming Friday with knots in my stomach hoping neither are traded away.

The Panthers organization will sell it to us simple, Here is what I mean:

- If they trade Jokinen for Prospects and a top 10 pick; it will be obvious that this organization has no idea where it's headed and they are not committed to winning NOW.

- If they pull off a even trade, get a scorer, and a 1st round pick; then I would be the happiest person alive.

The above is basically a trade with someone sending Jokinen.

Bouwmeester is a different story:

- Trading Bouwmeester would be a much bigger deal to me. He is the most important person on the Panthers. He is the organizations best defensemen to ever wear the Panther uniform. He has such a great upside that if he were to be traded, no package can equal what we have in Bouwmeester.

- Trading Bouwmeester would make this team a 30 and below win team: This means no Playoffs 9 years running and so on.



So YEA, Friday is a huge day in Panther history!



GO PANTHERS

The Low Down On Wade Redden

Before everybody gets overly excited about the potential Wade Redden signing, I come bearing news.

This may not be the exciting move everybody is waiting for to get the Panthers over the hump. Not only does signing Wade Redden ignore the lack of forwards the team has, but also may signal the end of a Panther we desperately need.

First things first. Why are the Panthers finally willing to overpay a player to land him? It's because Wade Redden goes way back with none other than Jacques Martin. Martin only signs people that he knows, and word has it that this clause may be on the verge of being built into every player's contract with the Panthers. You can only sign if you are a personal friend of Mr. Martin. This is evidenced by the coaching choices, as the candidates have pretty much been narrowed down to Paul Maurice and Andre Savard, both of whom are friends of Martin. It is really sick that Martin needs to know everybody he goes after. For the record, Maurice would be a much better choice than Savard, as Savard is basically a Martin clone.

Back to Redden. He is a puck moving, offensive defensemen. Remind you of someone who's contract is up? That's right, Jay Bouwmeester. Redden and Bouwmeester could never play on the same pairing, and by signing Redden, Martin may be waiving the white flag on the signing of Jay Bo. Not only would this be a horrible trade off because of age, but Bouwmeester's potential far outweighs anything Redden could bring to the table.

A team that gives up 74 shots a game does not need to be looking for an offensive defensemen. Look to forwards to bring you more offense, while concentrating on defensive defensemen like Bryan Allen to sure up that front.

Wade Redden put up 38 points and a +11 rating last season, but he isn't the answer to the problems in Panthersland. If anything, the money Florida puts out for him may prevent them from doing much else, further hampering the team.

Martin talks about how it is not necessary for the Panthers to have a coach in place by the start of free agency because the Panthers do not need to be very active in free agency. He's obviously up to his same old tricks. Frolik and Matthias are promising, but they will not lead the Panthers to a playoff run this season. Free agency is the only hope the Panthers have of significantly improving before next season. Somebody get me Martin on speed dial. I've got a few words for him.

Breaking News: Panthers Sign Frolik

Just as I was starting to plan what negative things to say when the Panthers were to lose Michael Frolik, the team gets him signed tonight.

This is the biggest news out of Panthersland in quite some time. He's being compared to Jaromir Jagr, just the type of player the Panthers need. Losing out on him would have been devastating to the franchise.

Frolik put up 65 points in 45 games last year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Coincidentally, he plays for the same team that Sidney Crosby came into the league from.

I said Martin needed to do four things this summer to earn my respect (Sign Frolik, Bouwmeester, a kicking ass type of coach, and some scoring options in free agency). Check one off the board. I can't believe I'm saying this, but way to go Jacques.

9 Days left to Sign Frolik

Will it surprise anyone if they don't get this deal done? For one, I expect them not to get the deal done. On top of this deal, theres the Bouwmeester contract. Does anyone think #4 will be wearing a Panther uniform next season?

Frolik is a special player, I want everyone to know that this draft pick might be one of the best draft picks they have made in YEARS. If they fail to get his contract done, I hope some season ticket holders wake up and realize this organization is going down the drain (well it has been for 7 years).

Frolik could easily come into the NHL and put up 20+ goals his rookie season. He is a rare talent and is known as Baby Jagr. I see Frolik maturing into a top line winger 80+ points a year. If they do not sign him, he will then re-enter in the NHL draft this coming July.

From what I have been apart of for all of these Panther offseasons, I give this organization a 80% chance that either Frolik or Bouwmeester does not get signed by the team. Wouldn't it be something if they both are let go via draft and trade. If that happens, I might be in for a new hockey sweater!

Rememeber, Cohen and JM both said that Bouwmeester was the center piece to the team and that Frolik is the most important prospect for the future of this franchise. They will have lied to all of us faithful fans if they fail to sign both.

LETS GO PANTHERS, GET THESE DEALS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND OF COURSE OLESZ TOO!

World Championships end in disappointment for Bouwmeester, Canada

Ilya Kovalchuk scored 2 minutes and 42 seconds into overtime to win the gold for Russia. Canada held leads of 3-1 and 4-2 before the Red Army scored with just over 5 minutes left in regulation to tie it. It was a fantastic game.

Although Bouwmeester started the tournament on the top defensive pairing, he wasn't able to maintain the high level of play he started the tournament with. He was on the ice for Russia's game-tying goal in the gold medal game and appeared to have screened his 'tender, Cam Ward. His stats at the end of the Championships are far from impressive. 0 goals, 0 assists, -1 rating, and only 7 shots on goal, despite being on the ice for over 135 minutes.

Jokinen, Peltonen, Bouwmeester, and Magnus advance to semi's

A Florida Panther will be skating for three of the four teams that remain in the IIHF World Championships. Finland, with Olli Jokinen and Ville Peltonen, defeated David Booth, backup netminder Craig Anderson, and Team USA. Canada, with Jay Bouwmeester on the blueline, easily got past Norway. And Magnus Johansson continues on with Sweden, who defeated the Czech Republic. The final team in the semi-final round is Russia.

Olli Jokinen scored an assist on Finland's first goal, feeding Tuomo Ruutu for the opening tally. Finland went on to hold a 2-0 lead through 2 periods, before the Americans fought back to tie it, scoring both goals in the last 5 minutes of regulation. But Sami Lepisto's goal just over a minute into the overtime but the Fins through to the final four. Jokinen finished with 2 assists, while Peltonen managed 3 shots on goal during his 18+ minutes of ice time.

The Sweden vs. Czech Republic game also went to overtime at 2-2. Florida Panther Magnus Johansson set up Sweden's game tying goal with 4:38 remaining to send the game to extra time. Then, just 3:15 into the 4th period, Mattias Weinhandl sent Sweden on to the next round. Johansson had that assist during an impressive 22:31 of ice time.

Team Canada routed Norway 8-2. Bouwmeester, despite playing on the top defensive line, only saw a little over 12 minutes of ice time due to the blowout nature of the game. Bouwmeester managed just 1 shot on goal and was -1.

While there are only 4 Panther's players remaining, all 4 are solid contributors to their teams. Olli and Ville continue to provide an offensive threat for the Fins, while Bouwmeester and Johansson have been stalwart's on the blueline for their teams. Perhaps this kind of leadership that these players are in currently will bleed over to the 2008-2009 NHL season for the Cats? In any case, it is nice to see these guys playing well. Hopefully it will boost their confidence going into the offseason, and lead to a good beginning to the NHL season come October, which the Panthers have definatly been lacking the last couple seasons.

Semi-final action begins tomorrow at 1, with Russia vs. Finland. The second semi-final game features Canada vs. Sweden, with the puck dropping at 5. Again, for just $4.95 you can catch the semi's and the final game on www.wcsn.com

Panthers bites...

A quick little update on the recent goings-ons of the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers signed their first pick (10th overall) of the 2007 draft, 19 year old defenseman Keaton Ellerby. Despite standing 6'4", he weighs in at only 188 lbs. Granted, he's 19. A year or 2 and Ellerby could develop into and intimidating force on the Panthers blueline. He spent last season playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League, where he played in 53 games, scored 2 goals, an impressive 21 assists, and logged 81 penalty minutes.

In the IIHF World Championships, the quarterfinal matchups are set, and 4 of the 8 teams remaining have Panther representation.

David Booth and Craig Anderson will be playing for Team USA as they take on Olli Jokinen and Ville Peltonen and Team Finland for the 2nd time in 4 days. The last meeting between the 2 teams was a thrilling, albeit controversial and violent game. Jokinen drew a match penalty late in the 1st period for checking American Tim Gleason from behind. The first Finnish goal came from Ville Koistinen, and appeared to actually go under the side of the net. Upon further review, the referrees deemed it was a good goal. Since then, however, the IIHF revealed after the game that Koistinen's shot had, indeed, entered the side of the net and should not have counted, and the video-goal judge will not be working for the rest of the tournament. The game ended with a minor melee, including a fight between David Backes and Anssi Salmela, who was bloodied. Both players received match penalties. No word yet on whether any suspensions from that game will carry over to tomorrow's quarterfinal matchup. Oh yea, Finland won the game, 3-2.

While Booth and Anderson have been largely absent from the American score sheet, Jokinen and Peltonen lead their team's offensive threats. In the Fins defeat of Lativa a few days earlier, the two Panthers combined for 20 shots and over 41 minutes of ice time.

Also tomorrow, Magnus Johansson and Sweden will play the Czech Republic. Johansson has been a solid presence for the Swedes, and has often been one of the leading ice-time getters.

Jay Bouwmeester and Canada will play Norway. Bouwmeester, like Johansson, has been seeing plenty of ice time on his team's top defensive pairing.

So be sure to tune your computers to www.wcsn.com tomorrow night to check out what's sure to be a great night of hockey.

Some Panthers still playing

The IIHF World Championships kicked off yesterday, and several Florida Panthers are out representing their countries. David Booth and backup netminder Craig Anderson are skating for Team USA, defenseman Magnus Johansson is representing Sweden, Jay Bouwmeester is playing for Canada, Panthers' prospect Janis Sprukts (now with Finnish club Lukko Rauma) is on the ice for Lativa, and Olli Jokinen and Ville Peltonen are playing for Finland.

In Friday's matchup, Jay Bouwmeester saw plenty of ice time, as he skated alongside former Panther favorite, Ed Jovanoski on the top defensive pairing for Canada. (Canada won easily, 5-1, outshooting Slovenia 65-23.)

While this is hardly the type of meaningful hockey I'd like to see the Panthers playing in, it is nice to see some Cats, both young and old, being recognized and asked to represent their country. Plus, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the U.S. should make up the final four in this tournament, so it will be fun to see the Florida teammates go up against each other. So just because the Stanley Cup playoffs don't hold any Floridian representatives, there is still hockey being played with Floridian ties.

Preliminary rounds continue through the 13th. The quarerfinals then take place May 14, followed by the semi's on the 16th, and the medal games played on the 17th and 18th. (For just $4.95, you can watch every game at http://www.wcsn.com/)


4:32 pm edit: Ville Peltonen assisted on Finland's first goal, and Olli Jokinen just scored on a rocket one-time slapshot for Finland to put them up 2-0 in their game against Germany. Way to go Olli!

Sunday edit: Panthers' defenseman Branislav Mezei is also playing for Team Slovakia, who defeated Norway 5-1 yesterday. Apologies to Brani for leaving him off the list.