Panthers extend GM Martin through 2011-12 Sunrise, FL (Sports Network) - Jacques Martin, fired in April as head coach of
the Florida Panthers, has agreed to a contract extension as general manager
for the club through the 2011-12 season.
The Panthers relieved Martin of his coaching duties in April after three
seasons behind the bench, but he was given the option to stay on as GM and
accepted.
Florida finished with a winning record each season under Martin, but failed to
make the playoffs, running its streak of consecutive seasons without a playoff
appearance to seven.
Olli Jokinen will not battle Team Canada on Monday due to a suspension, according to the Edmonton Journal. He was dealt the suspension after checking American defenseman Tim Gleason from behind in the first period on Sunday (in the IIHF World Hockey Championship).
Our View:He will be missed for Team Finland, as Jokinen is a top scorer and affects the power play.
The Panthers and defenseman Keaton Ellerby agreed to a three-year deal on Thursday, the Ticker reports. Ellerby was the 10th overall pick in the 2007 draft, and he played 53 games for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL last season.
Our View:Ellerby is a playmaking-type defenseman with a very hard shot in his arsenal. We don't expect much in 2008-09, but he's worth noting in keeper leagues.
The Panthers and Wade Belak agreed to a two-year contract on Monday, the Ticker confirms. Belak came over from the Maple Leafs in a February trade.
Our View:Belak rarely finds his name on the scoring sheet, but the big fella is typically a good bet for over 100 PIMs. His one-sided line makes him nearly worthless in fantasy leagues.
