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NHL Trade Rumors: Florida Panthers ‘Not Blowing It Up’

By Jeff Langridge

Feb 4, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of BB&T Center before a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of BB&T Center before a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Florida Panthers are in the middle of another disappointing season. After making the playoffs two seasons ago, the Panthers have seemed to revert to the the type of play that kept them out of the playoffs for more a decade.

Panthers’ General Manager Dale Tallon is obviously not happy with the way his team is playing. After all, this is the man that built most of what is standing of the Chicago Blackhawks. Tallon had this to say about his team to the Sentinel Sun in a phone conversation on Friday.

"“It’s the experienced guys that frustrate us… Look at their numbers.The bottom line is numbers don’t lie.“We need players that are self-motivated, self-disciplined, that are leaders. That’s what we want, and that’s what we need to address and change.”"

However, when asked whether the Panthers will be buyers or sellers at the NHL Trade Deadline, Tallon wasn’t exactly specific.

"“We’re not going to blow this team up… We got some great pieces and we got some pieces we have to change and make better as we move forward to March 5, the draft and free agency. All these moves will benefit us and make us a Stanley Cup team for many years to come.”"

The Panthers have pieces that could be moved. Brad Boyes highlights a group of players that could as rentals for other teams.

When Tallon says that the Panthers have great pieces for the future, he’s not lying. With Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad and a whole bunch of other good prospects, the Panthers have a bright future ahead of them if all their prospects play to their potential.

What they need is veterans that can lead those young players and help them develop at a faster rate. Some of those players could be available at the deadline and you’ll be sure that Tallon will look to unload some of his problems.

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