But with six NHL defensemen already on the roster, it won't be easy for Gudbranson to earn a roster spot. However, he doesn't think it will be the end of the world if he has to return to his
authentic Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey junior team for another season. "You see the Chicago Blackhawks, he did a great job over there picking up young kids, making great draft picks and they won the (Stanley) Cup this year. So hopefully he can do the same with the Florida Panthers." -- Jacob Markstrom on Dale Tallon "I think that I'm in a position where I have an opportunity to make the National Hockey League," Gudbranson said. "That's what I want to do, but I also understand that's a big jump from
authentic Buccaneers jerseys junior. If I did go back, that's not necessarily the worst thing ever. Another year of development in junior isn't bad. Nonetheless, my goal is to make the National Hockey League. If I go there and have a good camp, I think that can happen."
Markstrom, on the other hand, likely will have to blow away the Panthers' coaches to earn a spot on this season's team and avoid starting the season with AHL Rochester. Besides Vokoun, who is one of the best goaltenders in the League, Scott Clemmensen has proven to be a capable backup over the last two seasons and
authentic Buccaneers jersey is under contract for this season. None of that is a concern to Markstrom, who led the Swedish Elite League last season in goals-against average (2.01) and save percentage (.927). He said he's ready to play in the NHL right now and will do everything he can to unseat Vokoun as the Panthers' No. 1 goaltender.
"I think I can play in this League," Markstrom said. "Every day I want to go there and I want to practice hard and I want to be between the pipes instead of Vokoun. That's the goal. That's why I'm here. I want to play in the NHL. If that means I have to go down to Rochester for one year or play 10 games there, you just have to prove you deserve the chance. When you get the chance, you have to take them." If Tallon's past success in Chicago is any indication, it's just a matter of time before Gudbranson and Markstrom make the most of their opportunities.