Meo-uch
In addition to Dave Bolland (who has been out since October 18th), the Florida Panthers just listed three new players as day-to-day. Sportswriter George Richards of the Miami Herald broke the news this morning.
#FlaPanthers will be making roster moves with Brandon Pirri (concussion) and Dave Bolland (groin) out v #Flyers … 1/2
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 31, 2014
#FlaPanthers also missing Sean Bergenheim and Aleksander Barkov (both lower body) from practice. All four 'day to day' #Flyers
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) October 31, 2014
This leaves the Panthers in a particularly bad spot as they are now down three centers and have 4 games to play by next Saturday. Nick Bjugstad was comfortable when he was assigned to the top line last season but the team now has a rather large hole at the 2nd and 3rd line.
I feel confident in assuming that Vincent Trocheck will be called up from San Antonio to take Pirri’s spot as the third line center. Trocheck looked pretty good in his initial showing with the team last season, scoring 5 goals and 3 assists in 20 games. However, this still leaves a rather large spot open on the second line.
Although it might sound unorthodox, I would suggest sticking Jussi Jokinen in the position. Jokinen has experience as a center and has regularly put up good numbers at the faceoff dot (53.5%, 57.9%, 55.1%, 52.8%, and 51.3% in the past 5 regular seasons). Hayes should also slot back into the lineup and this leaves the Panthers with one more position to fill.
Is it time for Rocco Grimaldi to finally get a taste of the NHL?
Kris M. can be reached for contact on Twitter or via email at thesunshineskate@gmail.com.
