The negotiations for Olesz, who has played most of the past two seasons in the senior Czech League, heated up after the NHL and the Czech Federation agreed to an Aug. 24 deadline for signing European draftees.
Olesz, selected seventh overall, scored seven goals for the Czech Republic in last season's World Junior Championships, tying much-hyped Alexander Ovechkin of Washington and Jeff Carter of Philadelphia for the tournament lead.
"He's going to be a very good player. He's got the attributes to play the game," Keenan said of Olesz. "If we sign him, our expectation is he would play in the NHL (this year)."
Walsh had expressed frustration with the Panthers' low offers this week, but said the two sides are close now.
"I've had several discussions with Mike Keenan," Walsh said. "We've exchanged written proposals and we've made progress, and I'm hopeful a deal is going to get done in the next few days."
Wow, I'm surprised to hear Keenan say he thinks Olesz could play in the big club this year.
Things are starting to look a little crowded on this team...should make for a rather competetive training camp.
indeed, young players are going to really have to earn their spots this season with all the vets in camp. It will be interesting to watch. When does camp begin exactly?
I'll be happy to see it when they sign Olesz...I'd hate to see him wallowing on the third or 4th line in Czech again because he's down the pecking order in seniority for the top lines. It'd be a waste and could ruin him.
'Course, he'll be 3rd or 4th line with the Panthers anyway
I too am surprised that Keenan thinks Olesz will make the team this year. I would rather see him spend a year in the AHL personally because it's going to be awfully tough to make the team this year with all the players we have signed.
I'd rather him see lead his Czech team than goto AHL to play for some others teams AHL team.
He won't be leading his Czech team anywhere. It has been pointed out that he is playing on the 3rd and 4th line of a mens league which could hamper his development. I'd rather see him developing on the top line of a league in North America as opposed to simply struggling for ice time in the Czech Republic.
He won't be leading his Czech team anywhere. It has been pointed out that he is playing on the 3rd and 4th line of a mens league which could hamper his development. I'd rather see him developing on the top line of a league in North America as opposed to simply struggling for ice time in the Czech Republic.
He'll be playing 3rd-4th line here if not in AHL. In czech he would be #1 player on his team this season with no NHL players there.
indeed, young players are going to really have to earn their spots this season with all the vets in camp. It will be interesting to watch. When does camp begin exactly?
Sept. 12, the day after my B-day! I'm psyched for camp to begin.
Sept. 12, the day after my B-day! I'm psyched for camp to begin.
I am gonna try to check out as much camp as I can this year, it will be a very intense camp this season with all the new vets on this squad, as well as prospects like Stewart, Campbell, and Olesz going for roster spots. It will be intriguing to see how Martin runs this team too. Can't wait.
I am gonna try to check out as much camp as I can this year, it will be a very intense camp this season with all the new vets on this squad, as well as prospects like Stewart, Campbell, and Olesz going for roster spots. It will be intriguing to see how Martin runs this team too. Can't wait.
Whats this??? I fan that CANT WAIT to see these guys in action??? Surely thats a mistake
Wow, I'm surprised to hear Keenan say he thinks Olesz could play in the big club this year.
Things are starting to look a little crowded on this team...should make for a rather competetive training camp.
Thats a realy good thing. Check the thread "where florida stands". I think our lineup will be as posted in that thread with Olez or Stewart manning the final spot.......I think its a dam good lineup with legitimate players on each line (Hagman on the 4th
Whats this??? I fan that CANT WAIT to see these guys in action??? Surely thats a mistake
my bad, I meant to say.... I want to see these guys fail miserably because i don't like the management and it's more important to focus my energy towards the negative because I live in the Past you see. I can't look forward to the future, I have to spend my time contemplating all the bad decisions and criticize every move because it is so utterly important in my life .
I don't like to watch hockey, I just want to complain about it on the interweb every chance I get. Who cares about the actual game and action, it is so much more fun to nitpick. I want to over-analyze every little thing too, that's soooo fun. Of course, if the Panthers did win the cup I would say I was with them all along....of course.. It would be un-south florida of me if I was to be optimistic you know ?
Keenan worked hard at Olesz's contract and was able to sign him without agreeing to any "A" or "B" incentive bonuses that have driven up the price of several entry-level players over the past eight years.
Besides Olesz, who will attend the Panthers' rookie tournament Sept. 5 in Ottawa, other rookies expected to compete for a roster spot are right wing Anthony Stewart and left wing Gregory Campbell.
