Panthers GM Dale Tallon is at it again. He is hard at work tinkering with his blueprint to turn around a franchise that has been far too inept for far too long, the Florida Panthers. This time, he has traded one of the few players who was around during the pre-Tallon era, David Booth, to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forwards Marco Sturm and Mikael Samuelsson. Also going to Vancouver is a 3rd round pick for 2013 and forward Steven Reinprecht along with his beautiful head, who has been on loan overseas for the past 2 seasons. I'll be analyzing this trade piece-by-piece and delivering the final verdict on who got the better of the deal. Check it out after the jump.
To Vancouver:
David Booth: The crown jewel of this deal, Booth was a forward with a bright future in Florida. He made a name for himself during the 2007-08 season, scoring 22 goals and becoming a fan favorite in Sunrise. The Michigan State Spartan duplicated his effort in the following campaign, but hasn't been the same since getting clocked by Mike Richards in 2009. After a paltry start to this season, Tallon decided to shake things up by dealing him to Vancouver, obviously unhappy with the team's offensive efforts thus far. In Booth, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis acquires a player who has the potential for 25+ goals and a worthy linemate for Center Ryan Kesler. Booth is a player who uses his quickness and agility to score goals as opposed to his power; knock on him is that he's forced to the outside too easily, doesn't use the middle of the ice as much as he should.
Steven Reinprecht: The former Phoenix Coyote got off to a quick start in his first season in South Florida in 2009, but never really was a factor the rest of the way. Eventually he was shipped off to Europe on loan to make room for other players on Florida's roster. Vancouver absorbs his 2 million dollar and change salary, and will most likely keep him in the AHL. Only in this deal as part of a salary dump for the Panthers.
To Florida:
Mikael Samuelsson: The 34-year old Swedish forward will be rejoining the Panthers for the first time since 2004. In my opinion he is the best piece that the Panthers acquire of the two. Will most likely be taking Booth's spot on the first line. Skilled forward who has the consistency that Booth lacked. Head Coach Kevin Dineen and Tallon both hope that Samuelsson can add a spark to an offense that has been stagnant thus far.
Marco Sturm: A once potent forward, injuries and age have significantly (and literally) slowed him down. A player who lived off his speed has been slow and ineffective thus far. The Canucks invested in him this offseason but have clearly been turned off by a putrid start to the season. The Panthers hope this is an anomaly and hope the German can find the fountain of youth and contribute to the team this season. Sturm will most likely fit in on the Panthers' 3rd or 4th line until he proves otherwise.
The Verdict: Vancouver gets away cleanly with the better half of this trade. They acquire a player with potential in Booth as well as the draft pick to build for their future. Florida should be excited at being able to unload Reinprecht's contract, but may be kicking themselves when this one is all said and done. Vancouver wins this trade by a longshot in my opinion.
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