After getting cut from his pro tryout with the Florida Panthers, David Booth had strong comments on how the league is changing and how youth is now being embraced.
“Back in the day, it seemed like the older guys were pushing the younger guys back. Now things are reversed. The older guys are getting phased out,” he told George Richards of the Miami Herald.
“I feel I’m still a great player. This place felt comfortable and like a place I could do some of the things I’ve done before. But this is a business and sometimes you’re just a number. They have to make the decisions they feel are best for the team.”
Booth, who appeared in 59 games with the Toronto Maples Leafs in 2014-15, had expressed his excitement to join the young Panthers squad when he inked the PTO, saying he thought he could help the young kids out.
While it’s nothing new, there have been a number of noticeable veterans, including Booth, Devin Setoguchi and Curtis Glencross who’ve been cut from their PTOs.
Panthers general manager admitted cutting Booth was difficult, but it had to be done to make room for younger players.
“It was very tough because he played very hard. We have young guys; Brickley has had a great camp, so has Howden and Wilson. Then there’s Crouse. It was hard to fit [Booth] into the slot. It was a difficult decision and I wish him all the best.”
It will be interesting to see where Booth ends up next. He’s still got the talent to play in the league, but like he mentioned, more and more teams are opting to go with younger guys to fill out their roster, so it may be difficult for him to find a job.
