January 30, 2008 :: 9:45pm ET Real-Time Journal:
What to do with Bouwmeester? By David Pagnotta TheFourthPeriod.com

[Toronto, ON] -- I keep hearing people questioning Florida's position with Jay Bouwmeester, and I figured I've touch on the subject a little bit.

Bouwmeester can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. I was there in Montreal last weekend during the All-Star festivities when he was surrounded by reporters asking him about his future. Yes, he did say that he doesn't know what the future holds, leading to speculation that he's considering staying in Florida.

That's all fine and dandy.

I've spoken to Jay a number of times over the last two seasons and again in Montreal, and while I can't share everything, I still believe that he's going to end up elsewhere next summer.

Now, with that being said, the Panthers have a very difficult decision to make.

I completely understand how important it is for this franchise to make the playoffs. I get it. But, do you think this team is going to make the playoffs next season, with the same roster minus Jay Bouwmeester? Not bloody likely (try saying that with a British accent).

Panthers GM Jacques Martin has spoken with Bouwmeester's agent and the two sides are expected to speak again very soon, if they haven't already. If the Panthers are still unable to get Bouwmeester signed by the March 4 trade deadline, and if they still don't have a clearer picture as to whether or not he'll re-sign with the team post deadline day, well... you've got to trade him.

I'm not the only one who thinks this. I know people close to the organization want to keep this kid. But, if he leaves in July and the Cats get nothing back for him... let's just say they can't afford to do that.

Now, you may want to ask me: "Can't the Panthers trade his negotiating rights in the summer, maybe even around draft day, and get a draft pick?" Yes, they can certainly do that. But don't you think his value would be significantly higher now than it would be in June, when he's just a week away from free agency, and there's no certainty that he'll sign with your team?

If, by March 1, Martin is in the same position he was in a few weeks ago... you trade him. You'll get a solid return, one good enough to help maintain your playoff push.

The Panthers are a buyer right now. They can "sell" Bouwmeester for a great return, get a legitimate top-six forward who can put the puck in the net, and get your hands on another defenseman. I'd just hate to see this team lose another superstar for peanuts.

A few quick notes to close up...

...The St. Louis Blues and Andy McDonald's agent, Steve Bartlett, touched base this week in an attempt to get the center locked up to a new contract. From what I've been told, both parties want a new deal done before the trade deadline. Other than a long-term deal being discussed, I'm not aware of any terms.

...A lot of people I've spoken to lately believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to trade defenseman Tomas Kaberle. He's the most valuable player the team has. Given the offer (Jeff Carter) they received last year from the Philadelphia Flyers, if GM Brian Burke can get anything close to that, he'll ask Kaberle to waive his no-trade clause and they'll pull the trigger. Another guy likely to go is Nik Antropov, but don't be surprised the Burke finds a new home for Jason Blake, who has finally gotten his act together.

...Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is very active these days, but his focus isn't solely on the trade deadline. It's my understanding that he wants to open the negotiating doors, if he hasn't already, for All-Star defenseman Mike Komisarek. After his situation becomes clearer, he'll work his way down the list and speak with the representatives for Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev and Alex Tanguay. All four players can become UFAs at season's end. It's been Gainey's policy not to negotiate during the season, but he may be making an exception this year.
 

David Pagnotta is the Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Period Magazine and covers the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL for TheFourthPeriod.com. He is also a contributing writer for NBCSports.com and MSNBC. His journals appear throughout the entire season exclusively on TFP.