The Hockey News: Special Features: Analysis: Panthers need a lot more than just Cory Stillman

Analysis: Panthers need a lot more than just Cory Stillman

Cory Stillman won Stanley Cups in Carolina and Tampa Bay. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Adam Proteau
2008-07-01 17:09:11

I don’t like the three-year, $9.6 million deal that Cory Stillman signed Tuesday with Florida – and not because I think the Panthers aren’t getting a talented, reliable goal-scorer. They certainly are, and Stillman almost certainly will give them at least 20 goals and 50 points each season he’s in Sunrise.

Here’s why I don’t like it: in almost doubling the salary of a guy who’ll turn 35 in December, did Florida GM Jacques Martin make his team significantly better? Did he turn heads the way the Lightning did by acquiring Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts and Olaf Kolzig? Did he bowl over his fans with a big-time gamble, the way the Capitals did by signing Jose Theodore? Did he risk breaking a cardinal sin in the GM community and reach out with an offer to a restricted free agent, the way Vancouver’s Mike Gillis did with David Backes?

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The answers: Nah, nope and, in the words of Whitney Houston, hells to the no.

They signed Stillman, a nice, upper-middle-tier type of player who more than likely can see his best on-ice years only with the aid of a rearview mirror. But hey, it helps keep the Panthers just above the salary cap floor for next season, and in a wobbly hockey market like South Florida, that’s one of the best things they can hope for these days.

If Stillman were being brought into the organization as part of a bigger package of players, I’d be okay with the deal.

But if this and the Olli Jokinen trade represent the biggest moves the Panthers will make this off-season, mark me down as ‘underwhelmed.’

COMMENTS (9)

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Brian Kemp Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:45)

I'm a northerner, and I don't think that the Panthers should move, although, I've gotta ba honest, I don't see why the Panthers fans would even care at this point. (Yes, I do believe the Panthers have fans.) Every deal they make lately is a bad one, with the exception of the Vokoun deal. Before that, it was the original Luongo deal. Stillman is a support player, and right now there isn't another forward who he can support. Not a bad player, but Adams right, giving that big of a raise to a 35 year old support player doesn't seem like a smart move.

UnderdogTwenty Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:42)

Adam...you obviously have not been to Boston or Chicago to watch hockey games the past few years. If you had, you would have seen these places half empty, especially Chicago. How can an original six team draw 10,000? Because winning is that important. Start paying attention to other cities and their poor attendance. It's clear to all that you enjoy slamming South Florida...and you so conveniently forget the years of consecutive sell-outs at the Miami Arena...when this team was winning.

jim Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:31)

adam, you do realize people work for that organization and your constant bashing of the panthers and desire to see them out of the league is not amusing anymore and affects lives. maybe you don't care but give it a rest already. tampa and washington had to be bold and get goalies because they did not have any. florida has a guy named vokoun or is he bad too. and an offseason that sees olli jokinen traded for boynton ballard and stillman is not a bad off season. you hate florida, we all know it...now give it a rest!!

todd Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:31)

it does get old adam...been down there for a few games against the rangers and yes there were a lot of ranger fans but plenty of panther fans too. they haven't won in a long time so what should we expect? 20,000 every night? they do have a good young core with horton weiss olesz booth bouwmeester ballard and good goaltending. give it a chance to work. at least they are spending money on long term deals to keep their guys. the ripping on one team does get tiresome and i am by no means a panthers fan

Oscar Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:28)

The only team more embarrasing than the Florida Panthers is the Toronto Maple Leafs. At least Florida has some young talent (aka Bouwmeester).

HockeyDUDE Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:28)

Adam, your feeling on the "SPRY" young Sundin cruising around for 10 mil per? I know, as said before..IT'S A PANTHERS thing.

Ian Altenbaugh Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:23)

Adam dislikes the Panthers because they represent everything that is wrong with hockey.

Pucks Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:20)

I'm convinced Adam visited Florida once for vacation and someone pissed in his food. It seems every time I sign on to read his articles, he's ripping on the Panthers in one way or another. Ever hear of beating a dead horse? We get it. You hate the Panthers.

Pucker Posted
(2009-04-30 06:30:20)

Quit yer whining, pucks. The next time the Swamp Kitties make a good move will be the first time they've made one this century. They deserve all the scorn Adam or anyone else can heap on them. Heck, compared to them, Tampa almost doesn't look stupid with their offseason moves.