Photo Credit: The Florida Panther’s twitter account.
Yesterday, the Panthers parted ways with Defenseman Colby Robak. The 24-year-old defenseman was traded to the Anaheim Ducks for Jesse Blacker (D) and a conditional draft pick. Now, what impact does this have on the Panthers? In the short term, very little.
Robak’s name was not among those recently bandied about in the rumor mill but his departure should not come as a shock. He was a healthy scratch for 16 of the Panthers 23 games and did not seem to have much of chance at ousting any of the Panthers regular six defensemen on a lasting basis. The writing was on the wall: Robak was stuck as the 7th defenseman and there was not much he could do about it. It was best for both player and team to part ways at this time. Now, Robak gets an opportunity to play a bigger role on a team in the thick of the playoff race in the super-competitive Western Conference.
What about Jesse Blacker? He is a 23-year-old defenseman who recently played his first NHL game on November 28 against Chicago. Aside from that, he appears to be a serviceable AHL defenseman who will serve to help the Panthers AHL affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, to continue their strong start to the season. He could also be a potential call up in case of injury on defense.
As for the Panthers, this trade opens up a roster spot to allow one of Dave Bolland or Scottie Upshall to come off Injured Reserve and return to regular action. This also allows the Panthers to keep the red-hot Vincent Trocheck in the lineup, who has played great hockey in the weeks since being called up from San Antonio. Another move will have to be made later when the other of Bolland or Upshall comes off IR, should the Panthers wish to keep Trocheck up. That would likely take the form of a pending UFA leaving town.
Keep your eyes peeled, the Panthers are likely not finished making moves.
AJ can be reached for contact on Twitter.
p.s. Happy Trails, Colby.
