Update on Panthers' Goalie Situation

Markstrom Assigned to San Antonio (AHL)

Clemmensen to return to Panthers lineup

Monday, 11.07.2011 / 10:45 AM / Transactions

Florida Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that G Jacob Markstrom has been assigned to San Antonio (AHL).

In addition G Scott Clemmensen will be returned to the Panthers following his conditioning stint in San Antonio. Clemmensen has missed the first 13 games of the season with a knee injury.

Markstrom, 21, made his first career NHL start on Oct. 18 at Washington, stopping 29-of-31 shots in a 3-0 loss to the Capitals. He earned his first career NHL win on Oct. 22 vs. the New York Islanders, turning away 18 shots in a relief appearance. Markstrom stopped 40-of-41 shots to earn his first complete game win on Oct. 24 at Montreal. He has appeared in five games with Florida this season going 2-2-1 with a 2.05 goal-against average and .944 save percentage.

The Gavle, Sweden native was drafted by Florida with their first choice (31st overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Execerpts from Panthers GM Dale Tallon's conference call with the media:

"It's based on long-term, based on where we're headed and based on numbers. It's a good thing for his development and [better than] sitting around playing once every two weeks - he's only started in three games out of the 13 - we want him playing 10 out of the 13; we want him playing a lot. We know he can play and we know where we're headed with him and we're deep in goal, so that's a good thing."

"..He showed his true worth in training camp, showed his true worth in the games that he played and we have a bright prospect, a great future ahead and that's what we're all about. That's a position where you can lose your confidence in a hurry and never bounce back. We're being cautious here and conservative in his development"

"This isn't a popularity contest, this is about producing players for the long-term here. We're in a marathon; we want this guy to be our goalie of the future. We want to make sure he's handled right and that he's ready to take the load when it's time. With him and Gudbranson and Huberdeau, we 're going to be cautious with them all, we want to be sure they're ready and that we don't ruin them. The fans should look and see how bright our future looks."

"If [Clemmensen] doesn't get hurt, [Markstrom] would've been in San Antonio six weeks ago. He understands the three goalie system isn't going to work and that he's got to play. And these guys are proven veterans; they've played well for us. He understands that he's got to get better and this is a learning curve for him. Obviously, he'd like to stay here - but who wouldn't? He knows what's best for his future and we're doing what's best for him and that's what's most important."