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Report: Panthers ready to trade just about anyone

Marcel Goc, Tomas Fleischmann, Kris Versteeg

Florida Panthers’ Tomas Fleischmann (14) of Czech Republic and Kris Versteeg (32) congratulate Marcel Goc (57) of Germany following Goc’ empty net goal in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, in Dallas. The goal was Goc’ second in the period helping the Panthers to the 4-2 win over the Stars. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

AP

Now that the Florida Panthers have new ownership, they’re reportedly ready to shake things up.

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports new owners Vincent Viola and Douglas Cifu aren’t happy with the team’s slow start and are ready to move any of their veteran players. Who can be had for the right price? Pretty much anyone.

Forwards Tomas Fleischmann, Kris Versteeg, Scottie Upshall, Shawn Matthias, Brad Boyes and Marcel Goc are among those available along with Tom Gilbert and Dmitry Kulikov, just to name a few.

The Panthers are 3-6-0 to start the season which in the Eastern Conference puts them a short winning streak away from being a playoff team. They’re just four points back of third place Montreal and six back of Atlantic Division leading Detroit and Toronto. In other words, it’s too soon to be throwing in the towel.

That said, new owners looking to do business their way isn’t anything new and GM Dale Tallon could have new marching orders.

As it is, they’ve got a solid young core with 2013 Calder Trophy winner Jonathan Huberdeau, 2013 first-round pick Aleksander Barkov, defenseman Erik Gudbranson, and goalie Jacob Markstrom. Building off of them has likely been the plan all along.

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