A big thanks to Biggamekilla for this discovery...from the not-always-100% accurate CNNSI Truth and Rumors but still 100 times more reputable than that clown Eklund...
There has been talk that Panthers GM Jacques Martin has held talks with his old friend Ray Shero of the Penguins (the two worked together with the Senators) about a possible trade of defensemen -- Jay Bouwmeester for Ryan Whitney and draft picks.
I was caught a little off-guard by this development, but if it does ring true, it would be a huge score for the Pens. I've always had a soft spot for Ryan Whitney. He has shown flashes of being a top offensive force on the blueline. But as time goes on, his defensive liabilities continue to force their way to the forefront. Many may look at this trade as a lopsided deal in favor of the Pens, and I would tend to agree. The main upside for Florida would be to receive a D-man with Whitney's upside and ability who's locked up for the next few years. While Florida has become a player this season in the Eastern Conference playoff race thanks in large part to Bouwmeester, they cannot take the chance of losing him via free agency in the offseason. He has already turned down numerous attempts by the Panthers to resign him, and seems to want to play in a more traditional hockey market. It would be hard to see a guy like Whitney go, but to get a guy like Jay-Bo back for him, I'd do it in a heartbeat. 
Make it happen Ray.
That would definitely be great to see...lets hope this is real.
ReplyDelete