Bob Boughner fittingly rewarded the accomplished, highly decorated Vrbata by providing Radim with the privileged opportunity of participating in Florida’s home finale, receiving the start upfront.
Although Vrbata experienced a career-low, noticeably disappointing season regarding nearly all statistical categories, producing an utterly unimpressive slash line of 5G, 9A, and 14 points, participating in solely 42 regular season contests, Radim’s career as a Panther might’ve been considered a massive disappointment, but Vrbata’s entire NHL career certainly wasn’t, whatsoever.
Radim Vrbata was selected with the 199th overall selection in the 1999 NHL draft by the contending, widely feared Colorado Avalanche.