May 7, 2007
Panthers, Wild talking trade? TheFourthPeriod.com
The Panthers and Minnesota Wild could be discussing a trade that might send goalie Manny Fernandez to Florida, speculates the Palm Beach Post.
Panthers' coach/GM Jacques Martin and Wild GM Doug Risebrough are both at the world championships in Moscow, prompting speculation that the two sides are talking
Fernandez, who lost his starting position to Niklas Backstrom, is expected to be dealt if the Wild re-sign Backstrom, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Panthers are supposedly in the market for a new No.1 goalie.
Fernandez, 32, has two years left on his current contract. According to the Post, he is to earn $4.5 million next season and $4.75 million in 2008-09.
Fernandez is affordable, and if the Panthers are seriously looking at him, that should mean the end of Ed Belfour's short stay in Florida. Alex Auld wants to fight for the No.1 job next season, and if the team acquires Fernandez, Auld will be limited to back-up duties, yet again.
