If the Florida Panthers cannot re-sign Tomas Vokoun then adding a goaltender in free agency is a top priority for GM Dale Tallon. "This is a very important week for us," said Tallon. "[We went through] a lot of pain last year to get ourselves in this position. We earned the right now to do what we need to do to get this franchise turned around. These moves we're doing now will help us sell guys to come on July 1." The Panthers are projected to be seeking four forwards and two defensemen from the free agent pool as well.

The agent for pending free agent Tomas Vokoun claims that his client is disputing a report in a Czech newspaper that stated he would look at Colorado as a potential destination this summer. Michael C. Deutsch, who represents Vokoun, stated simply "Those weren't his quotes." Deutsch also went on to intimate that Vokoun would likely wait until the NHL's free agency period opens before deciding on his future. "At this point it looks like he'll hit the open market on July 1. He's keeping all his options open, including going back to Florida."

Tomas Vokoun allegedly told a Czech newspaper that he could be interested in joining the Colorado Avalanche when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Vokoun has apparently received an offer to play for Avangard Omsk of the KHL but would rather play in the NHL. Phoenix could also come a calling and Vokoun has not ruled out re-signing with the Panthers so it should be an interesting couple of weeks. "I would not be displeased if I got a good offer from Floria and accepted it," the newspaper 'Mlada fronta Dnes' quotes Vokoun as saying. "But if I happen to get an offer from a team that might have a chance to challenge for the Stanley Cup, now, that might be irresistible. Like Colorado." Vokoun turns 35 on the second day of free agency so it could be a very happy birthday for the netminder. Stay tuned.