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Panthers gamble on Bouwmeester

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It appears Jay Bouwmeester will take some more time to decide if he wants to be part of the Florida Panthers' future. Bouwmeester, a talented 24-year-old defenseman, signed a one-year deal Monday for just under $4.9 million. He will be an unrestricted free agent once the contract expires, and the Panthers are gambling he will like the changes the franchise has made and sign a long-term deal. The Panthers also likely saved money because Bouwmeester could have been awarded as much as $5.7 million by an arbitrator, according to a front-office staff member. The Panthers also tried to sign Bouwmeester to a two-year contract, but he told them he first wants to determine if the franchise is improving.

Miami Herald

Jay Bouwmeester, Carlo Allegri/Getty Images Jay Bouwmeester, Carlo Allegri/Getty Images
July 29, 2008  08:41 AM ET

The BoowMEESTER......Makin' copies.

July 29, 2008  08:56 AM ET

I am NOT posting on that bloody Sundin thread today, no way, no how. They are yanking our chains big style now, damn you T&R!

So Jay stayed with the Panthers. Good luck to him.

July 29, 2008  10:07 AM ET

He signed for less so he is more easily tradeable...b bye Florida..

July 29, 2008  10:54 AM ET

Can you say trade bait? I think you can.

July 29, 2008  11:04 AM ET

But, but, what about Mats Sundin? I'm just dying to know what is going on with him. How can I sleep without knowing that and the status of Peter Forsberg's foot?

July 29, 2008  12:21 PM ET

Now that this year is taken care.Who's taking bets on where he ends up next year.

July 29, 2008  12:26 PM ET

Panthers should trade him to Islanders or another weak team NOW for a package including 1st round pick in next year's draft in order to enahnce chances of the OPERATION: TAVARES.

July 29, 2008  01:48 PM ET

Only a one year deal ... and only for $4.875 mil! A bargain! No matter! He'll cash in big time next year when he becomes a UFA!

July 29, 2008  02:35 PM ET

TRADE BAIT...Deadline deal to a contender no doubt.

July 29, 2008  03:19 PM ET

I think that it will be reasonable for all parties to work out a deal now because:
1) Florida will be a losing team with or without him, but if they finish at the very bottom of the table, they'll have a greater chance to win a 1st overall pick
2) Bouwmeester is a player you can build a team around. The team he'll be trated to will certainly endeavour to lock him for many years. If it gets him now, it'll have the whole year to sign him to a long-term contract.

I ask then - Why wait for the deadline?

July 29, 2008  03:58 PM ET

i think he shoul've went with the flyers for a trade for knuble...oh well maybe next year!! Go Flyers Go!!

July 29, 2008  08:10 PM ET

One of two things will happen: Florida will struggle this season,and Bouwmeester will be traded to a contender prior to the deadline...or,he plays out the season with the Panthers,won't re-sign and becomes a free agent.It also depends on the type of season he will have...his value will improve if his numbers are good and stays healthy.

July 30, 2008  06:26 AM ET

We can end all of Florida's problems with one minor change! Relocate the team to Canada, where fans will pay to watch Jaques Martin screw up this team!

martin for President!

 
July 30, 2008  09:25 AM ET

Florida will almost certainly trade him at the deadline, I can see him going to the Rangers or Senators - two teams who will be fighting for playoff spots and are somewhat weak on the backend.

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