6 players from within the EIHL the Panthers could realistically sign

Over the extended off season, I've been able to browse Elite Prospects in depth and look at potential players that the Panthers could sign for the new season. There's an almost endless list of players I could give you that have caught my eye, but I've decided to choose a line (1 goaltender, 2 defenceman, and 3 forwards) purely of players who played in the EIHL last season rather than just aimless selections from Elite Prospects. I've tried to select players outside of the so called 'big 4' (plus Guildford, who seem to retain every quality player they have these days) as poaching them isn't necessarily straightforward, so you won't be seeing a Brendan Connolly or a Joey Martin on this list.  

This is somewhat hypothetical, as what is actually happening with next season is largely unknown, especially regarding imports. 

Goaltender: Matt Ginn, Manchester Storm

Manchester Storm goaltender Matt Ginn has consistently been one of the top goalies in the league over the past two seasons. He's done this under immense pressure, regularly facing 30+ shots and rising to the occasion, and has at times been described as carrying a team that isn't exactly overloaded with big names.

He had the second best save percentage (.921) of any netminder in the EIHL despite what was in front of him, and I think he is more than deserving of a move to a bigger club. His positional game is excellent, as are his sharp reflexes that would be a welcome addition to guard the crease. 

Defenceman: Drydn Dow, Dundee Stars

Like Ginn, Dundee Stars d-man Drydn Dow was named on the all star second team, and is arguably the best player on their roster. He was recently linked with Belfast suggesting the Canadian is catching the eyes of bigger clubs, and so he should. 

Dow can do it at both ends, which is what Tim Wallace's brand of hockey requires, with the defence regularly being involved in the attack. During the regular season, he had the most goals of any defenceman with 14. 

Defenceman: Sam Jones, Fife Flyers 

Regardless of what the import limit is for next season, I'm pretty confident it will be less than last season, meaning the Panthers should certainly address their Brit core. With Steve Lee's departure last summer, Panthers never bought in a replacement, meaning Josh Tetlow was the only Brit the club had on the blueline. Jones would provide extra depth, as well as competition for Tetlow, which could help elevate two of the brightest homegrown prospects in the league. 

Jones plays an extremely aggressive game that would be welcome to a team that somewhat lacked it last season. He's showing signs of becoming a well rounded player that would certainly benefit our roster. 

Forward: Kevin Dufour, Dundee Stars 

The second Dundee player to make this list, Kevin Dufour led the Stars scoring across all competitions, with 56 points (32+24). He would help to elevate a Panthers offence that some say relies too heavily on Sam Herr, and like his teammate Dow, he was a powerplay regular. 

The left winger has consistently put up respectable numbers in recent seasons, and that consistency would be a welcome addition here in Nottingham. 

Forward: Charles Cocoran, Coventry Blaze

The trend of ex Dundee Stars continues, although Charles Corcorane played for them in 18/19. He moved to Coventry last season, and was part of one of their best rosters in many years, joining the title race late on. With the Blaze already maintaining key players for next season, I think holding on to them all is a bit of a stretch, so I'd say this is certainly a realistic signing. 

I'd personally be looking to replace Georgs Golovkovs, and Cocoran would be the right fit. He is the same age (25) and put up a fantastic 63 (20+43) points across all competitions throughout last season, coming fifth in the EIHL scoring charts. 

Forward: Janne Laakonen, Coventry Blaze

Despite recently turning 38, Finnish forward Janne Laakonen is showing no signs of slowing down, having had the 5th best points per game average in the league. With 57 points (11+46), he was a vital part of the Blaze attack, and will bring experience to our lineup. 

With his age, I agree it's risky, but look at Mark Matheson or even David Ling if we want to go further back. 


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