Cullimore In, Murphy Out

Former Panthers defenseman Jassen Cullimore (shown above right, next to a non-descript Pittsburgh Penguin) has been signed by Florida in an effort to replace some of the troops lost to injury. One of those recently hurt, Cory Murphy, may miss up to a month with a shoulder ailment, though it will not require surgery. Older but undeniably reliable - witness his +21 last year - this move was a no-brainer for JM the GM. Good to see Cully back in the fold.

Photo FYI: Not a good sign when, as in the photo above, Cullimore finds himself behind Sidney what's-his-name.

AccuScore Prediction: Blues 2.7, Cats 2.4

So much for a carryover of offense from last night. Granted, St. Louis is going to come out ready for war after being embarrassed - and shutout - 4-0 by the suddenly-hot Kings. But did anyone else notice that certain indefinable something which possessed the Panthers the past few games? A little more never-say-die? No matter, a computer has given it's results. We'll have to wait a few more hours for the real deal.

Cory Murphy joins the ranks of the injured, with a bum shoulder; he'll be replaced by Rochester call-up Jason Garrison. Just how close are we now to signing Jassen Cullimore, eh? Andy will be in net for the Cats.

WAIVED: Cory Murphy

As of noon today, defenseman Cory Murphy has been placed on waivers. I agree with Steve Gorten at the Sun-Sentinel: this paves the way for Jassen Cullimore's return to the club.

The league's oldest rookie last season (though not eligible for the Calder Trophy due to his age) is signed for one more year. I do believe he'd be a solid first or second call-up from Rochester...if he makes it there.

Cullimore has looked possesed since camp opened; my money's on him getting a contract offer within hours; the deadline for the 23-man roster maximum is tomorrow. More to come.

Remember Your Panthers, Part III: Murph

"Your minor-league Thrasher uniforms offend my sense of style and color coordination. ATLANTA on the sleeve...nice touch! Perhaps you should look to the midwest for fashion hints. I shall pirouette around you while creating open ice for Horts; silently giggling to myself at your silliness. Hossa, indeed!"

Cory Murphy, #21, Defense

Left with no options on "D", Murph drills Mathieu Dandenault into the plexi. Asked later why he chose to employ such an excessive use of violence, his answer was simple: "Spells his name funny. Punk.".

Blind to the offensive-defenseman's one power play goal on the season, a budding entrepreneur prepares for another hopeful yet ignorant listing on eBay.