Cory Stillman Takes On New Role

  Veteran forward Cory Stillman announced is retirement on Thursday after 16 seasons in the NHL. His passion for hockey has not quieted for a second, as he will move directly into the player development system of the Florida Panthers where he has spent two and a half years on the ice.

  Stillman split last year between the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes as he was traded at the deadline to the team where won his second Stanly Cup. He became only the 6th player in league history to win back-to-back Stanley Cups for two different teams as he won with Tampa Bay prior to the lockout, and Carolina in the NHL’s first post lockout season.

  Stillman’s 12 goals and 39 points last season through 65 games were enough to apparently generate interest from various teams around the league according to reports, but Stillman firmly believed this is the right time to step away from the game he has played so well over the years.

"They asked when I was traded to let them know when I was done playing because they'd like to have me in the organization. It's a good opportunity," Stillman said.

  He will assist veteran Brian Skrudland, director of player development for the Florida Panthers, in developing young players at all levels.

“I get to come in and do something that I’ve actually enjoyed for the last couple of years with helping the kids,” Stillman said. “Obviously, when you’re playing, you’re helping the young guys in the National Hockey League, and now I get an opportunity to help guys in junior and the guys in the American Hockey League. I can go on and help further their development.

“The way I look at things, if you can help one part of their game, if you can help them with one thing that they make a jump, then we’ve obviously done our job.’’

  Stillman was drafted 6th overall by the Calgary Flames in 1992, and developed into a speedy winger with great on ice presence and passing ability.

  The 37 year old played 1,025 career games split between the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottowa Senators, and Florida Panthers. He tallied 278 goals and 449 assists for 727 career points. In a full modern day season’s worth of post season appearances (82 games) he recorded 19 goals and 51 points.

  Stillman’s on ice performance will be missed, but his knowledge, passion, and insight on the game is something General Manager Dale Tallon values greatly.

“Family is important. Alumni are important,” Tallon said. “Adding pieces to the family, bringing in people who have been here is really important to me. Bridging the past to the future. Cory is current, had incredible credentials. Who better than Cory Stillman to mentor our young guys? I feel real comfortable and sleep well at night knowing Cory and Brian are helping our kids develop.’’

-  Kendall Grubbs