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| 24th February, 2009 - 3:06 pm |  NHL.com - The Panthers could qualify for the postseason for the first time in eight seasons, but general manager Jacques Martin is mulling over some sizable moves.
Martin will likely be responding to calls about defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.
"I think we have people that evaluate our team on a daily basis," Martin said. "The last couple years we've tried to build a team that would put this franchise in the playoffs moving forward. When you get into a trading deadline, you probably look to improve your club for the stretch drive if you can."
Bouwmeester is considered one of the best defenseman in the league, and has appeared in 319 consecutive games.
"It all depends on what we can acquire in return and I think if it's a package where we feel we improve our hockey club, I think the rest of our organization and the players would recognize that," Martin said. "For now, we'll go forward with Jay in our lineup if we can't get something that helps us now. If we do get something that we feel is more beneficial for our hockey team, then we'd be willing to change the chemistry.
"I think we're in the process of evaluating what's available for Jay and come March 4, a decision will be made whether we move forward with him on our team or if I feel that I can get something that makes us a better club. I think the priority for us right now is to move forward to improve our club, to make the playoffs this year, and I don't want to disturb that." [READ] |
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