I wouldn’t want to play for Keenan either, and don’t be surprised to see Luongo and Olli leaving the Panthers.  Playing out these negotiations in the papers is another strike against Keenan and his approach.  I wonder if he thinks making everything public will buy him some time after both stars walk away?  From a players’ perspective, all this publicity is extra pressure to sign a lowball contract to stay with a team not committed to winning.

Posted by Ninja on 02/02/06 at 12:42 PM ET

Agree Ninja, Keenan just trying to show his fans he made an offer and if we trade him, at least we tried to sign him.

Posted by Henry on 02/02/06 at 01:24 PM ET

I don’t see the Jokinen offer as a “lowball” offer.  I think 4 M per is pretty fair for him.  He is not going to get much more than that on the open market.  As for Luongo’s offer, I think it is fair given what what Brodeur just signed for.  As for committment to winning, they did bring in vet’s like Niewendyk and Roberts in the offseason to go with their young core.  I think the problem may simply lie with Keenan himself.  Their owners will have to look at the situation, in that their Captain and franchise goalie are turning down fair offers to play elsewhere!

Posted by The Puck Report on 02/02/06 at 02:30 PM ET

TPR, I think its low only because free agency will give him a longer term with a comparable or higher dollar figure.  I don’t consider Brodeur’s contract as a fair measure mainly because of the age difference between the two and because I assume Luongo’s best days are ahead of him.  As for committment to winning, I thought at the beginning of the season the Panthers had a legit shot at making the playoffs, but the fact remains most talent goes to the Panthers to wither, and even the young core isn’t living up to expectations, with a couple exceptions of course.

But I completely agree with you that part of the problem is Keenan himself.

Posted by Ninja on 02/02/06 at 03:37 PM ET