Panthers not shopping Bouwmeester

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07:46 AM ET 07.15
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Sources say the Panthers haven't given up hope of signing Jay Bouwmeester and GM Jacques Martin is hopeful the addition of former Kitchener Rangers coach Peter DeBoer will convince the young star the club is going in the right direction. "As far as I know Bouwmeester is not the guy that Jacques Martin is offering up," said a league executive yesterday. "Bouwmeester is the guy they've got to build that team around. I haven't heard his name being offered around in a trade, not even once." Instead, the group of blueliners Martin is trying to deal is a lot less attractive to NHL GMs. The indications are anybody can have Florida defenseman Mike Van Ryn, who is scheduled to make $3.35 million the next two seasons, for just a draft pick. If teams don't want to spend that kind of cash for Van Ryn, then Karlis Skrastins and his $2.4-million contract is also available, as is 30-year-old Ottawa native Cory Murphy, who will make $875,000. After all, the Panthers have 12 defencemen under contract.

Ottawa Sun

Jay Bouwmeester, Carlo Allegri/Getty Images

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July 15, 2008 10:56 AM ET

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Any time a GM says they are not shopping a player, you can hear the shuffling of feet as all the other GMs scurry to take their place in line to have a crack at him!

Frankly, I don't think Jay Bouwmeester wants to stay and, I don't think the Panthers really want to keep him. I mean, they traded Luongo, a franchise goalie, for a bag of pucks!

After letting Oli Jokkinen go, the Panthers are in rebuilding mode (again) and Jay doesn't want to stick around through another rebuilding round "for the future."

DCruiser

Barrington , IL

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July 15, 2008 11:00 AM ET

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Well, no kidding! You gotta keep some good players after letting Jokinen go...

cmh_phx

Tempe , AZ

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July 15, 2008 12:10 PM ET

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What? The Panthers still have valuable pieces!?

santapig

Kansas City , MO

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July 15, 2008 12:23 PM ET

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12 defensemen under contract? And their GAA is still one of worst in the league.

rhmf93

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July 15, 2008 02:53 PM ET

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this is not a team for him exect on the power play the thing is that the panthers would like him to mature defensively because they play that boring trap all the time (Jacques Martin) but the thing is that this player needs to evolve offensevly big time or he is gonna end up like Kim Johnsson(minnesota) WOW way the go Panthers trade him while his value is good

Fisher12fan

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July 15, 2008 04:23 PM ET

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true, Fisher12fan, Bouwmeester has an awesome shot from the point that should be put to better use. Phoenix, anyone? You already got Jokinen...

cmh_phx

Tempe , AZ

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July 15, 2008 05:58 PM ET

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I wouldn't mind havin him in CO. Too bad we have an excellent defensive corps. Maybe we could get Bouwmeester to play goalie. He couldn't possibly be worse than the tandem of Peter Budaj/Andrew Raycrap. And he could quarterback the PP from his own end. You guys wouldn't mind if we traded the Rockies' owners for your hockey player would you?

wtnelson = Big Chief

Fort Collins , CO

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July 15, 2008 07:50 PM ET

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Of course Bouwmeester wants out wouldn't wanna leave that perrenial "rebuilder"?

t-murder

West Chester , PA

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July 16, 2008 01:18 AM ET

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So they're going to build around him then? Sounds like a plan. Judging from all the D they signed,are they going to play a defensive game? Maybe Bouwmeester likes losing all the time,maybe he doesnt. You know Vokoun is not happy playing in Florida.
bostongm | 07/15/08, 10:54 AM
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He never said that u moron. When did he say he was not happy. Show me a article cause I live down here and he didnt say that at all

Legacyy84

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July 16, 2008 05:17 AM ET

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Legacyy84. There is no need to come on here calling people morons. If you don't agree say so, but questioning people's mental capacity is uncalled for.

Oilers: NHI

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July 16, 2008 08:05 AM ET

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If anyone wants him, throw a 4 year $25 million contract under his nose. I'm not saying he's worth that or he's worth more, I'm just saying Florida w/ $12 million in cap room would be hard pressed to spend that type of money on one player.