Florida introduces Newest Panther

FLORIDA
The Florida Panthers held a new conference this afternoon to introduce their new back up goalie Jussi Markkanen.

GM Perrault "Today we are here to introduce to the media and the fans the newest member of the Florida Panthers Mr. Jussi Markkanen. Jussi will take over the back up duties for the recently released Milan Hnilicka. We acquired Jussi from the Philadelphia Flyers for a second round pick in next years draft. We are happy and excited to have Jussi in our fold and look forward to seeing him succeed as a Panther. Now without further ado.......Jussi Markkanen."

"Thank you. I would like to thank the Florida Panthers for having the confidence in me to bring me here. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new team mates. I know what my role is here and look forward to helping out in any and every way I can."

The Panthers have been busy on the trade front the last couple days. In addition to aquireing Markkanen they have also shipped disgruntled center Mikko Koivu to the Avalanche for a 3rd round pick and young prospect Bruce Graham.

GM Perrault "We wanted to give Mikko a chance to play. He is a talented young center but was understandably not happy with not getting any ice time so we tried to deal him from the start and were finally able to get something done. With this deal for Markkanen we needed a back up for Loungo and think we got one that can do the job. It was difficult to let Milan go but we feel that Markkanen is the guy that can get the job done when called apon."