Jacques Martin's Defensive Philosophy Is Offensive to Florida Panthers Fans

Panthers general manager Jacques Martin continued his defense-or-bust approach after dealing star center Olli Jokinen for a package including defensemen Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton, completing this weekend's draft with four of his five picks spent on building the rearguard.

Martin's first draft pick (31st overall) was used on Swedish goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom led Sweden to its first-ever gold medal at the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial. He is very athletic and covers the net well. I like this pick because it provides the Panthers with a solid future netminder.

Florida's second draft pick (46th overall) was spent on standout defenseman Colby Robak. Robak recorded six goals and 24 assists for Windsor in the WHL. He is a smooth-skating blue-liner who can move the puck out of danger in the defensive zone. I think this was a steal for Florida; Robak was projected to be a mid-first-rounder, so I was surprised to see him fall to the second round.

Martin used his 80th overall pick on defenseman Adam Comrie. Comrie had 10 goals and 18 assists with the Saginaw Spirit. He is a big player with a nice shot and an improving offensive game. I personally do not like this pick at all. The Panthers are stockpiling too many defenseman.

The next pick by Florida (100th overall) was used on left-winger A.J. Jenks. Jenks had 26 goals and 29 assists with Peter DeBoer's former team the Plymouth Whalers. He is a reliable penalty killer and a great faceoff man. I like this pick. It provides the Panthers with a solid all-around role player who can help the Panthers win key faceoffs.

The Panthers' last pick (190th overall) was spent on yet another defenseman, Matthew Bartkowski. Batkowski spent his developing years playing for Lincoln. It seems that Martin is trying too hard to try and emulate the Detroit Red Wings' recent success with defensive hockey.

I find it unfathomable that four of the team's five picks were spent on defense. If there was one thing the Panthers were fairly strong at, it was their defense. Florida must acquire an excellent offensive player via free agency or trade.

It is too much to expect young players to step up and fill Jokinen's 35-40 goals a year. If changes are not made, it looks like it will be nine years without a playoff spot for Florida Panthers fans.