Panthers on the Prowl

Trade talks have been heating up between Florida Panthers GM Jacques Martin and several teams throughout the league concerning stud defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. The Cats last summer reportedly offered Bouwmeester a multiyear deal worth more than $5 million per season, so Martin has every right to believe that the soon-to-be-free agent is looking to get out of Florida. It’s a shame that one of the brightest young stars at his position most likely won’t be playing here come the March 4 trade deadline, but Martin seems to be hitting the phones pretty hard these days to get a good package of players and picks in exchange for JB. The New Jersey Devils are but one of the teams rumored to be interested in acquiring the defenseman and, if the rumor mill is to be believed, might be dangling Brian Gionta as bait. If there’s one thing the Panthers need, it’s a winger like Gionta who’s capable of adding some much-needed offense. Decide for yourself if number 14 is worth picking up, at 1 Panther Pkwy. in Sunrise, AKA the BankAtlantic Center. If you bring along just $17, they’ll let you in for the 7:30 game.
Tue., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., 2009