Vokoun Gone at Deadline?

[STLZACH]

Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon has expressed that he wants to build the franchise up through the draft, which explains the nature of some of his personnel decisions since taking over. There's one 800-pound gorilla -- well, 195-pound Czech goaltender -- still sitting in the room, however.

Bruce Garrioch presented his weekly rumor roundup on Sunday morning, and included the tidbit that given Tallon's intentions, "Tomas Vokoun will be gone by the trade deadline." Garrioch notes that Tallon wants a first-round draft pick in exchange for his netminder, and that the Tampa Bay Lightning -- who have been winning in spite of suspect goaltending this season -- may be the team on which to keep an eye.

For counterpoint, here's ESPN NHL Insider E.J. Hradek, who doesn't see Lightning GM Steve Yzerman making a move in-season

Via ESPN Insider.

I figured this would happen, with Markstrom coming up

 

[Phil The Thrill]

Doesn't surprise, I actually thought he would be gone last year. Markstrom is going to be a great goaltender some day.

 

[STLZACH]

Doesn't surprise, I actually thought he would be gone last year. Markstrom is going to be a great goaltender some day.

Very great. Now, the Blues need to find a new home for Jake Allen before every team gets their goalie slots filled.

 

[Phil The Thrill]

Haha Jake Allen... after his WJC showing last year, trade him ASAP