The Heat, Dolphins, Hurricanes and Marlins all have at least one spot in their stadiums where former players and past glories are honored.

The Panthers used to have such a space, but removed it over the summer. The team said it merely is a coincidence that there is advertising where the team's ``Den of Honor'' once sat. Team president Michael Yormark said a replacement is in the works.

The Panthers' ``Den of Honor'' was created in 2002 with two players inducted -- the team's first captain (Brian Skrudland) and goalie (John Vanbiesbrouck). This summer, the team dismantled that tribute, removing the glass trophy case filled with team memorabilia. The space is now occupied by a red kiosk for a discount computer chain.

Yormark said a ``season ticket advisory board'' suggested the team get rid of it because it was too small. Yormark said a bigger space is planned.

An alumni reunion also is in the works for later in the season, Yormark said, and the new Den could be unveiled then. Yormark also said a jersey retirement ceremony -- possibly Vanbiesbrouck's No. 34 -- could come next season.

``We not talking about something elaborate, but something more elaborate than what was there,'' Yormark said. ``Even though we haven't made the playoffs in a few years, we're very proud of our history in this market. We've had our moments. We think it's important to honor that, and we're reaching out.''

Current players asked about the removal of the tribute wouldn't comment.

Radek Dvorak, who played with Skrudland and Vanbiesbrouck on Florida's 1996 Eastern Conference championship team, rolled his eyes and said, ``This is something you need to talk to management about, not me.''

Vanbiesbrouck did not sound convinced that the team had a bigger display in mind when it removed the old one.

``Sure, we would like to see our jerseys back on display, but we don't want to stand in the way of progress,'' Vanbiesbrouck said with a chuckle. ``I love that team and think the world of them. I know there's not a lot of connection to the past, although I believe there is an intention. It's not just that meaningful to them. It is a building they need to make money in. . . . They try to sell as much as they can and that's understandable.''THIS AND THAT

• It appears rookie defenseman Dmitry Kulikov will stay with the team. If he plays more than nine games (Wednesday was his seventh), Kulikov's first year of his three-year entry-level contract kicks in and he gets credit for a year of NHL service.

The Panthers could return Kulikov to the juniors after nine games and his three-year deal would kick in next year.

``This kid is the real deal,'' coach Pete DeBoer said. ``He's done everything we've asked. . . . He's helping us win right now. Anyone who can help us win, I want to stay.''

• The Panthers will unveil a new jersey on Nov. 23 in Sunrise against Pittsburgh.

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