Panthers best mid-season addition from each of the last 10 seasons

Arguably the biggest reason for Panthers turnaround in 2019/20 was Guillaume Doucet's ability find the right players in what was likely a limited market during the season, after the summer recruitment hadn't proved sufficient enough. When teams face adversity, there is an increased pressure on those in charge of recruitment to pick the best fish out of a smaller pond, and Doucet nailed it each time. I've decided to look at other times the Panthers have found a gem mid-season, specifically over the last decade. 

2010/11- Jeff Heerema 

Dustin Sproat's departure was very well addressed in early October 2010 with the signing of former NHL forward Jeff Heerema, who came in with an astounding CV, having put up solid numbers in the AHL, DEL and EBEL. He lived up to his pedigree, putting up 46 points (25+21) in 36 games, establishing himself as a key figure in the Panthers offence. With 7 of those points coming in the playoffs, Heerema led the Panthers in post season scoring as the club came out victorious. One of those 7 was an assist on the famous David Beauregard winner. 

The right winger would put up another 39 points (14+25) in 2011/12, but injury would sadly cut his season short. Nevertheless, he would still contribute to a strong title challenge from the Panthers, and leave as one of the best forwards of the Corey Neilson era. 

Honourable mention: Angel Nikolov

2011/12- Sami Ryhänen

Finnish centreman Sami Ryhänen was bought in just before Christmas of 2011, and bought increased creativity to the Panthers attack, with his fantastic passing ability that earned him 28 assists in all competitions. Like Hereema, he was a big part of the forward unit, and helped the club to yet another Challenge Cup and Playoff double. 

He would produce his best Elite League hockey when he joined Dundee the following season though, tearing the league to shreds with 86 points in league play, coming second to Panthers David Ling. 

Honourable mention: Rhett Gordon 

2012/13- Kelsey Wilson

Following Anthony Stewart's return to North America, with the NHL lockout slowly coming to an end, Corey Neilson opted to bring toughness to the Panthers offence with the addition of Canadian left winger, Kelsey Wilson. With the already menacing presence of Guillaume Lepine and Jason Beckett at the back, having another enforcer to deal with at the other end of the ice was a terrifying prospect for opposing teams. This immaculate physical presence adds to the never ending list of why this Panthers team was the greatest. 

Wilson played his role effectively not just as an enforcer, but an energy forward. On top of his 112 penalty minutes, he put up a respectable 19 points (10+9) in 34 games. 

Honourable mention: Anthony Stewart

2013/14- Petr Kalus 

A whopping 9 mid-season changes were made in 2013/14, largely down to injuries, but undoubtedly the best of them was Czech forward Petr Kalus. in 54 games across all competitions, he put up 47 points (24+23). On top of being a phenomenal forward, he bought aggression and could hit like a train. 

He produced the most important goal of the season, pulling a great move on Stephen Murphy in the penalty shootout, which would prove to be the winner in the iconic comeback against the Belfast Giants. 

Honourable mentions: Greg Jacina

2014/15- Guillaume Doucet

Panthers current director of hockey first joined the Panthers as a player in January 2015, and was one of the teams most effective forwards in the last half of the season, posting 29 points (19+10) in 27 games. 

Doucet possessed a great skillset and wasn't afraid to get into the dirty areas despite his size, making him a very entertaining player to watch. He was clinical and creative in the offensive zone, as he has proved at many Elite League clubs. 

Honourable mention: Colby Cohen

2015/16- David Ling 

The top scorer from the Grand Slam winning team returned in October 2015, but there were some question marks on whether he could still produce the goods aged 40. The answer to that was yes, as he continued to show the incredible composure and vision that made him one of the league's best, with 46 points (14+32) in 34 games. Despite playing less games than most of the team, he led the team in assists during league play with 30. 

He returned home to Canada in February due to personal reasons, which was a big loss to the Panthers who would miss out on the league title. With Panthers winning the Challenge Cup and Playoffs, could Ling have led a second trophy sweep? We'll never know. 

Honourable mention: Kevin Quick

2016/17- Kristian Kudroc 

He may have only played 8 games as a Panther, but Slovakian defenceman Kristian Kudroc was rock solid at the back during that spell. His huge 6'7" frame meant he bought incredible size at the back, which he used to his advantage. On the puck, he was composed, meaning his presence overall was valuable. 

Like Ling though, he would return home for personal reasons. Had he stayed longer, the potential was definitely there for him to become a top defenceman. 

Honourable mention: Jason Williams 

2017/18- Luke Pither 

A lackluster Panthers attack was transformed when Canadian centreman Luke Pither joined the club after beginning the season in Sweden. Pither's movement and reading of the offensive zone, especially on the powerplay, meant he was one of the most lethal forwards in the league. In 28 games, he put up 37 points (13+24).

Despite a disappointing second season in Nottingham, the impact he made in his first gave Panthers fans slight hope of a trophy to end the Corey Neilson era. 

Honourable mention: Mike Vaskivuo

2018/19- Chris Stewart

Anyone that knows me will know I'm a massive Christ Stewart fan. He joined with a very impressive CV in January 2019, having a wealth of NHL experience. After a slow start, Stewart demonstrated fantastic vision and chemistry with Brett Perlini and Robert Farmer. Throughout 27 games, he put up 17 points (7+10) and consistently made it look effortless. 

In what was a horror show of a season, Chris Stewart is probably the only reason I didn't give up my season ticket last year. It's no surprise he got another shot at the NHL. 

Honourable mention: Alex Bolduc (just) 

2019/20- Julian Talbot

Winning faceoffs was a massive issue to start this season, but Jullian Talbot, who came in with a wealth of experience in the AHL and DEL, resolved this instantly. He won 374 of them in domestic competitions and on top of that, was a great reader of the game. 

Finding shooting and passing lanes was something he did consistently, and is a must keep for next season, having put up 37 points (18+19) in 45 games. 

Honourable mention: Jake Hansen

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