David Booth after Panthers release: ‘Older guys are being phased out’

David Booth’s participation in Florida Panthers camp on a professional tryout offer was one of the most intriguing storylines of the preseason, if only because it was an attempt to prove you can go home again (after flaming out with the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs).

Booth was drafted in the second round of the 2004 NHL Draft by the Panthers, and spent the first six years of his career there. He hit 31 goals in 2008-09. He’s never come within sniffing distance of that pace since.

The 30-year-old left wing tried to make a come back with the Panthers in camp, hoping to provide the kind of sage veteran advice he received as a young player.

"When I heard Florida was offering I thought it was such a good opportunity. You want to earn a spot and help the young kids out because I'll never forget when I was coming in here, [veterans] Joe Nieuwendyk, Gary Roberts, Ed Belfour; those guys were so encouraging to me and helped my confidence and transition to the NHL,” he said.

But was cut on Wednesday by the Panthers.

Here’s Booth to George Richards of the Miami Herald:

What does David Booth do now? Probably kill something with an arrow. But after that, it’s tough to say: European leagues are all underway, and he doesn’t see the AHL as an option.

Booth says he still feels like “a great player,” and believes that the “older guys are being phased out” after years of the young players being held back by veterans. And that’s certainly the case with the Panthers, as Booth couldn’t crack the lineup. Hopefully he latches on elsewhere.

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