Since 2004, the Florida Panthers have had a total of 41 draft picks prior to the 2010 draft. Of those 41 picks, only 8 have played at least one NHL, and the majority of those are currently in the AHL rather than on the Panthers roster. As is with any draft pick in hockey, there is no way of knowing how the pick will perform at the NHL level, but the Panthers have had miserable luck when it comes to the draft. However, new GM Dale Tallon is determined to reverse the drafting fortunes of a team who hasn't made the playoffs in 10 years, the NHL's longest standing drought, and so far it's looking positive.
The Panthers Haven't been Able to Draft or Develop NHL Talent
The Florida Panthers draft history has been dismal at best. In 2002, they had the first overall pick, but they traded it to the Columbus Blue Jackets and selected defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who is no longer with the team. The Blue Jackets used to the pick to select Olympic gold medalist and all-star Rick Nash, who recently signed a very lengthy contract with Columbus. In 2003, the Panthers once again traded the first overall pick, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins selected goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, a guy who helped backstop the team to a Stanley Cup last season, specifically with his highlight reel save in the dying seconds of game 7 to preserve the victory. The Panthers used the number 3 pick they obtained from Pittsburgh to select Nathan Horton, who was recently traded to the Boston Bruins. Dale Tallon was the man responsible for drafting the majority of talent of this seasons Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, therefore Florida hoped that hiring him might bring them the same outcome. But any improvement is applauded at this point for a team that hasn't been able to successfully draft or develop prospects. Whether it be ill-advised trades, or poor scouting, the Panthers recent playoff drought is no accident. But the 2010 draft signaled a new beginning for a team desperate to see the postseason.
The Panthers had a Strong Draft Class in 2010
With the 3rd overall pick, Florida selected 6"4 Kingston Frotenacs defenseman Erik Gudbranson. Scouts have suggested Gudbranson has the hardest slap shot in the draft. He scored two goals and added 21 assists in 41 games last season. The big blueliner has offensive skills as well as the ability to play a strong game in his own end, making him a highly rated prospect. The Panthers now have a deep pool of defensive prospects including Dmitry Kulikov and Keaton Ellerby already in the system. Florida also got the steal of the second round, selecting Sudbury Wolves winger John Mcfarland. Originally projected to go in the first round, Mcfarland's production and work ethic took a dip, thus so did his stock in the draft, but the talent is there, and the youngster cited that the fall in the draft was the kick in the pants he needed to get his act together. Click here for the full list of Florida's picks.
The Panthers Made a Big Trade on Draft Day
Lost in all of the "Taylor vs. Tyler" hype surrounding the first round of the draft was perhaps the biggest trade of the day. Florida traded defenseman Keith Ballard and prospect Victor Oreskovich to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Steve Bernier, prospect Michael Grabner and the 25th overall pick in the draft. Ballard was never a good fit with the Panthers (just ask goalie Tomas Vokoun) and at $4.2 million a season, it was easy for Tallon to let him go. Bernier is a serviceable 3rd liner, and Michael Grabner is a very highly rated prospect, a great fit for a young team such as the Panthers. Yes, fans in Florida hope the disastrous draft days are behind them, and with Tallon at the reigns, the future certainly looks bright.
Marcia Di Michele - In addition to Suite101, Marcy is also a writer for TheHockeyWriters.com and blogs for Sports Illustrated's Fannation page. Marcy has been ...
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