I would say at least 3-4 years. They have plenty of young talent and are doing a great job rebuilding, but their young guys need some time to develop. They also need to add some legitimate 1st-liners to the roster if they want to be competitive, because they just traded Nathan Horton (their best forward IMO) and do not really have any big-time scorers or playmakers. That is their weakest spot. If they can get this done, which can be accomplished if they can trade for Savard from the Bruins, then they will be in very good condition.

This is a team that is clearly on the rise. In the next few seasons, the Panthers, Kings, Blue Jackets, Bruins, Thrashers, and Coyotes to be among the most improved teams. Each has done a terrific job with drafting/trading for building blocks and should only get better.

three stars pat ryder, david hille barry hall
three duds zac dawson, ross lyon, nathan bock

Hopefully sooner than later!!

I was kind of expecting the 15th pick to go to Chicago for say, Versteeg? But he got us an extra pick so I'm excited.

Tallon is doing great so far.

***david Hille
***matt knights
***patty ryder
duds -
dawson, r.lyon s.milne

They just made Vancouver look stupid in their latest trade of Ballard for Bernier/Grabner/Rd 1 Pick 25

Go Panthers!