"It's not the way we hoped it would go," says the Panthers' GM. "We were planning on being buyers at the deadline. We thought we would be adding to make this team better for a deep run. Obviously that's not the case."

So with a potential top 6, or maybe even better depending on the finish to the season, where do the Panthers go this offseason? One thing is certain, veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson will hit the open market. The lone survivor from the rental period at the trade deadline will leave the Panthers behind so they can focus on their young talent.

"Our D core is young. We're excited about it, but there could be growing pains." Aside from a young core on D, the rest of the Panthers are becoming veterans. The young forwards from the last few years are now gaining valuable experience, and are poised to be a threat. If the Panthers can manage to add one veteran in free agency, the team should be set up for a good season next year. Time will tell, as this was supposed to be the same.