It’s the middle of the summer and hunting down stories isn’t really a priority this time of year for me, so here’s some updates to get you caught up.

** Mike Santos told the Sun-Sentinel that he “expects to name a coach at AHL Rochester this weekend.”  Today is Friday the weekend is upon is.  It’s going to be interesting with the affiliation up in the air after this season if someone agrees to a long term deal or just a one year deal to get through this season.

** Jeff Taffe was traded on Thursday from the Florida Panthers to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Marty Reasoner.  This was a salary dump by both teams.  Taffe was signed by Randy Sexton last season and I didn’t really see him making the Panthers roster this season.  It was also unlikely the Panthers wanted to pay him NHL money to play in the AHL.  The Blackhawks are still trying to dump salary so they got rid of Reasoner who is someone Tallon is familiar with and would probably rather have on the roster.

** Mark Cullen was signed to a one year two way deal at the same time.  Cullen scored 21 goals and 32 assists with the Rockford IceHogs last season.  Similar numbers to Taffe and is on a two way deal.

** The Sun-Sentinel also reported that the Panthers are severing ties with the Florida Everblades and will add a new affiliate by the “end of next week,” according to Santos.  The Panthers aren’t exactly overflowing with players so it’ll be interesting to see who they affiliate with and what they can actually provide a team.  Last season the Everblades really only benefited from Chris Beckford-Tseu, Matt Duffy and Brady Calla from the Amerks/Panthers.

That’s all for now.  It’s been a very uneventful July but in the Panthers we must trust!