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A Blockbuster Trade
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| Cats acquire Goaltender Roberto Luongo and Center Olli Jokinen from the New York Islanders in exchange for Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha on June 24, 2000. The trade is the talk of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft in Calgary, Alberta. The Panthers make Russian defenseman Vladimir Sapozhnikov their first selection (58th overall) at the draft. |
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An All-Star Announcement
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| At a press conference in downtown Ft. Lauderdale on December 11, 2000, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announces that the Panthers will host the 2003 NHL All-Star Weekend at National Car Rental Center on Feb. 1-2, 2003. |
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Change At The Top
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| After a 6-18-7-5 start, caused in part by a rash of early injuries, Vice President and Gerneral Manager Bryan Murray and Head Coach Terry Murray are relieved of their duties. Duane Sutter becomes the Panthers' fifth head coach on December 28, 2000. |
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Thanks For The Memories Scott
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| Original Panther Scott Mellanby is traded to playoff contender St. Louis in exchange for prospect David Morisset and a conditional draft choice on February 9, 2001. Only Paul Laus and Rob Niedermayer remain as original Panthers. |
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A Season Like No Other
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| Roberto Luongo caps an outstanding rookie season with a team record fifth shutout. His 25 saves ends his year with the second-highest save percentage ever for a rookie (.920). The 3-0 win over the NY Rangers on April 7, 2001 closes Florida's third season at National Car Rental Center. Pavel Bure's 59 goals on the season wins him the Maurice Richard Trophy for the second straight season, making him the first NHL player to accomplish the feat. |
