The NHL trade deadline is on Wednesday and the sell off of the Florida Panthers has started and it will have an impact on the Rochester Americans.  The next few days we’ll get a better idea of whether or not the Panthers have any intentions of helping the Amerks make a run for the Calder Cup.

The Panthers traded d-man Jordan Leopold on Monday morning to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 2nd round draft pick in 2010.  That move will likely result in Jason Garrison being called up for the remainder of the season.

There’s also a rumor that Dennis Seidenberg could be on the trading block as well.  If that happens we can say goodbye to Keaton Ellerby as well (some might say that would be a good thing).

Luke Beaverson will likely be returned and play on defense.  If Ellerby is called up as well we’ll likely see Matt Duffy called up from the Everblades.  No matter how it’s looked at these two moves alone hurt the Amerks.  We just have to hope AJ Thelen does not get the call.

So far the Panthers are not showing any indication of helping out their prospect pool with players, just draft picks.  That’s fine for them but not good for the Amerks as they try and make a run for the playoffs.  The next 48 hours will be an interesting one.

If you want more immediate news of moves and trades bookmark these two links:

— http://twitter.com/letsgoamerks

— http://twitter.com/onfrozenpond

Let’s just hope that Ted Nolan and Jody Gage are working the phones as well to try and make something happen to improve things here in Rochester.