Panthers mid-season recruitment

Signing high quality free agents midway through the season can be an incredibly difficult task, as the majority of the best players are already snapped up. The market is significantly smaller than in the off-season, but Guillaume Doucet has done brilliantly to bring in 5 additions to the squad that have had a massive impact on the Panthers success, which has seen them claw their way back into the title race, even if it is arguably out of sight now. 

Jake Hansen

Eyebrows were raised when ex-Coventry winger Jake Hansen was announced, not because his CV was poor, but because at the time, Panthers were crying out for a go to goalscorer. However, his 25 points in 23 games for Coventry still showed he was capable of making an impact, and what an impact it has been. 

The 2007 Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick proved many of his doubters wrong as he has become a key figure in the Panthers offence, putting up a phenomenal 60 points in all competitions at the time of writing. He made his presence known instantly, scoring within just 6 minutes of his debut against EIHL powerhouse, Cardiff in an away game that put Panthers long losing run to bed. Added to the fact he was the clubs top scorer throughout their Continental Cup run with 12 points in 6 games, it is evident he could have a big say in whether Panthers can end the 2019/20 season with silverware. 

Julian Talbot

Experienced centreman Julian Talbot, like Hansen, has done wonders for the Panthers attack since joining from Germany, where had spent the majority of the last decade, putting up solid numbers throughout, to add to over 300 games in the AHL. 

Winning face-offs had been a problem before the brother of former Sheffield Steeler Joe had come in, but this has proven to be an area of expertise for him, having won 374 of them. He has 37 points in all competitions as well, as a great reader of the offensive zone who should not be left alone in the slot area. In short, Talbot is a must keep for next season. 

Ryan Horvat

Ryan Horvat is criminally underrated. The Canadian joined after 5 and a bit seasons in the AHL, and has contributed both in attack and at the back. He makes things happen in the offensive zone, and has been immense on the penalty kill, helped tremendously by his ability to get stuck in physically. Like Hansen, he quickly established himself, with a 3 point debut against Manchester. 

The 27 year old doesn't get nearly enough credit, and for me, is a player who deserves to stay at the club for the 2020/21 season. 

Mathieu Tousignant

Canadian forward Mathieu Tousingnant has been the agitator Panthers have lacked since Robert Farmer's departure. Guillaume Doucet described him as an "in your face" type of player and that has been more than backed up with his aggressive style of play. 

Tousingnant had a very good CV, having played in the AHL, as well as putting up high numbers in Germany and Sweden. After 10 games in a Panthers jersey, he is showing why he was able to do that. He provided the screen for Julian Talbot's goal in Sheffield on his debut, and has scored crucial goals against Cardiff and Belfast at home. 

Jason Binkley 

Jason DeSantis's sudden departure was very well addressed, as Doucet bought in another Jason to fill the vacancy in defence, who had spent the majority of his career in the ECHL and had recently earned his first AHL call up, playing 4 games for Cleveland. 

In Binkley's 6 games for the Panthers so far, he has shown great defensive capabilities, winning 50/50 battles and keeping teams to the outside. He possesses a good outlet pass, and in his short time in Nottingham, he has proven to be a reliable figure at the back. 

After his debut for the club, he stated the possibility of a University deal that would start next season, showing he is a part of the club's long term plans. 

Conclusion 

All 5 of these players make genuine cases to be a part of the Panthers core going into next season. The mid-season recruitment has arguably been more efficient than in the off-season, showing Guillaume Doucet's progress since taking the job as director of hockey. With the season ending soon, and the market becoming significantly bigger, it'll be intriguing to see the team he can build for next season, with a year of experience now behind him and so many more players becoming available.