Justin Sourdif – McKeen's Hockey

NHL: CULLEN – 20 FANTASY POINTS – Fresh start for Alexandre Texier, Ivan Demidov takes the rookie scoring lead, Brock Nelson and Tyler Bertuzzi are cooking, Seattle’s top line is thriving and so much more!

Scott Cullen — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:55:18 +0000

MONTREAL, QC - JANUARY 08: Alexandre Texier (85) of the Montréal Canadiens celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of the NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens on Jan 08 2026, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire)

Each week, I dig into the stats to find information that can help you make better fantasy hockey decisions. This week, a fresh start for Alexandre Texier, Ivan Demidov takes the rookie scoring lead, Brock Nelson and Tyler Bertuzzi are cooking, Seattle’s top line is thriving and so much more!

#1 After an underwhelming start to the season in St. Louis, where he had one assist in eight games, Alexandre Texier was bought out of his contract, leading him to sign a one-year, $1-million deal with the Montreal Canadiens and it looks like the fresh start that the 26-year-old winger needed. He is skating on Montreal’s top line, with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield and, after a hat trick against Florida on Thursday, Texier has eight points (4 G, 4 A) with 12 shots on goal in his past five games. For a player whose career high is 30 points (12 G, 18 A), set in 2023-2024, Texier has a chance to be a bigger offensive contributor with the Habs.

#2 Even though he has been held off the scoresheet in the past two games, Canadiens right winger Ivan Demidov has pulled into the rookie scoring lead. He has 10 points (3 G, 7 A) and 13 shots on goal in his past nine games, giving him 36 points (10 G, 26 A) in 44 games. He is getting first unit power play time while skating on a line with Oliver Kapanen and Juraj Slafkovsky at even strength, but it is fair to be concerned about the shot rate. In his past 18 games, Demidov has recorded two or fewer shots 16 times.

#3 Early in the season, Colorado Avalanche centre Brock Nelson got off to a slow start, managing five points (3 G, 2 A) with 24 shots on goal in 16 games, which was enough to lose the interest of fantasy managers. Since then, though, Nelson has been riding high, producing 32 points (18 G, 14 A) with 69 shots on goal in his past 27 games. With Gabriel Landeskog injured, Nelson’s wingers right now are Valeri Nichushkin and rookie Gavin Brindley, but he’s also getting first unit power play time and that’s a fine opportunity to keep the points accumulating.

#4 In his past seven games, veteran Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi has delivered eight points (6 G, 2 A) and 24 shots on goal. Impressively, this has happened with the Blackhawks missing injured centres Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, so Bertuzzi has helped the Blackhawks get through a trying situation. Bertuzzi is skating on a line with rookie centre Ryan Greene and veteran winger Andre Burakovsky. He is a six-time 20-goal scorer but with 22 goals in 40 games this season, he has an excellent chance to surpass his previous career high of 30 goals, set in 2021-2022 when he played for Detroit.

#5 After scoring 57 points and winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie in 2022-2023, Seattle Kraken centre Matty Beniers has had a few mediocre offensive seasons. That hasn’t been entirely fixed, but he is starting to generate more offense right now, putting up nine points (4 G, 5 A) with 21 shots on goal in his past nine games. He is getting full opportunity, centering the first line and playing on the first power play unit, so there is a chance for Beniers to continue his production. One encouraging sign is an improving shot rate as Beniers has never averaged even two shots on goal per game over a full season, but he is starting to cross that threshold more recently.

#6 Beniers’ wingers, Jared McCann and Kaapo Kakko, are both thriving as well. McCann has battled injuries, skating in just 18 games this season, but since returning to the lineup in late December, he has seven points (3 G, 4 A) and 20 shots on goal in his past seven games. Kakko has elevated his play, too, producing nine points (2 G, 7 A) and 20 shots on goal in his past nine games. Kakko has two 40-point seasons and with 14 points in 26 games this season, he is on that pace, even if he has missed a significant portion of the season, too.

#7 With Alex Danault traded to Montreal and injuries hitting the Los Angeles Kings, Alex Laferriere has been spending more time at centre and the third year forward is getting some results, with six points (4 G, 2 A) and 17 shots on goal in his past six games. With Anze Kopitar day-to-day, Laferriere is getting a shot with Adrian Kempe on the Kings’ top line and Laferriere’s physical play – 115 hits in 42 games this season – does make him more appealing to fantasy managers.

#8 A long-time favourite of mine for fantasy value, Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner remains very productive when healthy. That caveat hangs over him more at this stage of his career, but in his past 13 games, Jenner has 11 points (4 G, 7 A) with 36 hits and 36 shots on goal. He doesn’t take as many faceoffs now that he’s on left wing, but he still takes some draws, and skating on a line with Sean Monahan and Kent Johnson is not a bad place to continue scoring.

#9 He has been overshadowed by other young talent in San Jose, but Sharks winger William Eklund is still a highly skilled winger who can deliver offensively. In his past dozen games, Eklund has 10 points (4 G, 6 A) with 46 shots on goal while playing 20:18 per game. That shot rate is a very good sign for Eklund being able to sustain his production and it’s probably not a coincidence that he has more recently found himself on the Sharks’ top line with Macklin Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov, which is a great situation.

#10 In five games since he was a healthy scratch for the Vancouver Canucks, left winger Jake DeBrusk responded with five points (3 G, 2 A) and 22 shots on goal. If you’re trying to show that the coach’s message was received, that’s a good way to go about it. While he is getting first unit power play time, DeBrusk is skating the Canucks’ second line at evens, with David Kampf and Kiefer Sherwood, which may not offer the highest offensive ceiling, but it also might represent more of a back-to-basics approach, and it seems to be working.

#11 A third-round pick of the Florida Panthers in 2020, Justin Sourdif saw action in four games for the Panthers, scoring one goal, but did have 72 points (28 G, 44 A) in 101 AHL games across the past two seasons. In the summer, the Washington Capitals acquired him from Florida for a second-round pick in 2026 and a sixth-round pick in 2027, presenting a better opportunity for Sourdif to stick in the NHL. He started the season with one goal and zero assists in 16 games, playing just over 11 minutes per game. Sourdif has gradually earned a bigger role and has busted out, scoring nine points (5 G, 4 A) with 12 shots on goal, while logging nearly 19 minutes per game, in his past five games. Sourdif has emerged as the Capitals’ second line centre, with Connor McMichael and Ryan Leonard on his wings, and that trio could be a solid source of secondary offense in Washington.

#12 Only once in his career has 34-year-old Colorado Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson surpassed 25 points in an NHL season, scoring 37 points in 2017-2018 when he was with the Anaheim Ducks, but with the juggernaut Avs, he is putting up decent numbers. He had two goals and two assists in Thursday’s rout over Ottawa, but in the past month he has 13 points (2 G, 11 A) and 21 shots on goal in 14 games. For a guy who already has 107 hits and 60 blocked shots in 43 games, that offensive surge suddenly makes Manson much more relevant for fantasy managers.

#13 When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired K’Andre Miller from the New York Rangers in the offseason, they were looking at a defenceman in his prime who, at his best, can be an exceptional defender, covering so much ice with excellent skating and a 6-foot-5 frame. In his past seven games, Miller has contributed seven points (2 G, 5 A) with nine shots on goal while averaging 23:47 of ice time per game. Only three of his 20 points this season have come on the power play, though Miller is getting second unit PP time right now, but the Hurricanes’ dominance at five-on-five does give Miller a chance to challenge for 40 points this season, a threshold he has crossed just once in his career.

#14 A reliable two-way centre, San Jose Sharks veteran Alexander Wennberg is getting more of an opportunity to play a top six role this season and he’s contributing more offence in the process. In the past four 14 games, Wennberg has produced 17 points (3 G, 14 A) with 19 shots on goal and while that shot rate is not very encouraging, it’s also pretty standard – he has been a reluctant shooter for much of his career. He is centering a line with Tyler Toffoli and Pavol Regenda on the wings, but Wennberg is also getting first unit power play time. The last time that Wennberg finished with more than 40 points in a season was 2016-2017 but with 30 points (8 G, 22 A) in 43 games, he seems very likely to exceed that total this season.

#15 Pavol Regenda is an interesting case for the Sharks. The 26-year-old left winger was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks last season and had 25 points (9 G, 16 A) in 36 AHL games then started this season with 12 points (4 G, 8 A) in 28 AHL games, which is hardly knocking down the door to force his way into the league. However, Regenda has scored six goals with 19 shots on goal in six games for the Sharks this season, which is the type of production that can get a team to figure out how to keep a guy around. With Will Smith and Philipp Kurashev injured, Regenda may have a little more time to prove that he belongs and might have some short-term appeal in deeper leagues.

#16 The Utah Mammoth have moved winger Lawson Crouse to the top line, with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz, and that makes Crouse much more appealing from a fantasy perspective. In his past seven games, Crouse has six points (2 G, 4 A) with nine shots on goal while averaging 18:45 of ice time per game. He also has 19 hits and six blocked shots in that stretch, and those contributions elevate him when it comes to overall fantasy value.

#17 In his first four seasons with the Seattle Kraken, after he was signed in the summer of 2021, goaltender Philipp Grubauer was among the worst netminders in the league, posting a .890 save percentage in 156 games. His long-term contract was hanging around the Kraken like an albatross, and suddenly in the past few weeks, the 34-year-old netminder is good. In his past five starts, Grubauer has a 4-0-1 record, lifting the Kraken into a playoff position, stopping 168 of 175 shots against for a .960 save percentage. Joey Daccord is still the No. 1 option in Seattle but, however improbably, Grubauer might be able to force his way into more playing time.

#18 The Tampa Bay Lightning have moved winger Gage Goncalves to the top line, where he is skating with Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov and Goncalves has six points (2 G, 4 A) and 10 shots on goal in his past eight games after scoring seven points in his first 30 games. He played fewer than 14 minutes per game in that eight-game stretch, so there is a limit to his offensive upside, but if he sticks with elite linemates, there is a chance that Goncalves can raise his value.

#19 At 36-years-old, Detroit Red Wings left winger James van Riemsdyk is naturally not as productive as he was during his peak years, when he topped 25 goals five times, but he’s making the most of a limited role in Detroit. Since the start of December, JvR has 13 points (8 G, 5 A) and 37 shots on goal in 16 games. His four power play goals is tied for third on the Red Wings and he’s not a bad source of secondary scoring while skating on a line with J.T. Compher and Lucas Raymond.

#20 After a brief conditioning stint in the American Hockey League, where he had a .904 save percentage in two games, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault has returned to the Habs and has stopped 77 of 84 shots while winning each of his three starts since returning to the NHL. The Canadiens surely want Montembeault to regain his form, but it does create a crowded crease in Montreal as rookie Jacob Fowler has played well and Jakub Dobes is still in the mix, too. Fowler seems like the best long-term bet, but Montembeault might be getting his act together.

*Advanced stats via Natural Stat Trick

MCKEEN’S 2025-26 NHL YEARBOOK – WASHINGTON CAPITALS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #7

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:22:57 +0000

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 12: Boston defenseman Cole Hutson (44) handles the puck during the championship game of the NCAA D1 Frozen Four between the Boston University Terriers and the Western Michigan Broncos on April 12, 2025, at Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire)

Prospect System Ranking – 7th (May 2025 - 9th)
GM: Chris Patrick Hired: July 2024 (Also Senior Vice President)
COACH: Spencer Carbery Hired: May 2023

The Washington Capitals pulled off a remarkable retool in 2024-25, blending an aging core with an influx of youth to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Though their playoff run ended in the second round, the season underscored a bright future under GM Chris Patrick.

Ryan Leonard, McKeen’s fifth-ranked prospect, leads the way. After a dazzling two-year career at Boston University (61 goals and 109 points in 78 games) the NCAA standout joined the Capitals late and is poised for a full time NHL role in 2025-26.

The junior ranks saw offensive explosions across the board. Andrew Cristall capped his WHL career with a staggering 132 points, bringing his final tally to 412 in 248 games. Ilya Protas, younger brother of NHLer Alexei, made a spectacular OHL debut, finishing second in league scoring with 124 points. Patrick Thomas, a 2023 fourth-round pick, nearly doubled his career best with 104 points. On the back end, 2024 second rounder Cole Hutson tied Zeev Buium for the NCAA scoring lead among defensemen with 48 points.

Several prospects—forward Ivan Miroshnichenko, defenseman Ryan Chesley, and blueliner Vincent Iorio—will be pushing hard to earn NHL spots next season, adding further competition to an already deep group.

Although Washington entered the 2025 draft with just five picks, they managed to bring in intriguing additions. Most notable was towering WHL forward Lynden Lakovic in the first round, followed by skilled winger Milton Gastrin in the second. Both debut in the team’s top 15 prospects.

Under Spencer Carbery, the Capitals have managed a rare feat of staying competitive while steadily developing their next generation. With the league’s most prolific goal scorer, Alex Ovechkin, still chasing milestones, the Stanley Cup window remains open—now supported by a wave of high-upside youth ready to contribute.

Washington Capitals Top-15 Prospects

1 - Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is the best prospect the Capitals have had in at least a decade, you probably need to go back as far as when Washington drafted Filip Forsberg in 2012 to find a prospect in this organization that was so highly touted. The USNDTP and Boston College standout was among the best players in college hockey over the past couple years, leading the nation in goals with 30 last season. Internationally, he captained the United States to a second straight World Junior Gold medal, while also bringing home tournament MVP honours. Though only standing at six feet, Leonard profiles as an ultra-competitive and highly-skilled power forward. He joined the Capitals late last season and played meaningful minutes down the stretch and in the postseason in Washington’s middle six. It won’t be long before Leonard is a top six fixture in DC, he has the upside to be a star.

2 - Cole Hutson

Washington fans had to be over the moon after seeing Cole Hutson’s performance at last year’s World Junior Championship. The expectation would be that he would play a key secondary role for the Americans, but nobody could have predicted that he would lead the tournament in scoring en route to a Gold Medal. The 2023 second-round pick also ended up leading the NCAA in scoring among blueliners, putting up 48 points in 39 games. The 5-foot-10 blueliner’s calling card is his confidence, which is supported by his creativity and agility, making him an absolute nightmare for opponents to defend. His hockey IQ and competitive nature help him on the defensive side of the puck, but he still has work to do in that regard before he turns pro. Hutson will be back at Boston University again this season, and will be one of the best players in college hockey.

3 - Andrew Cristall

A lot of WHL defencemen must be thrilled that this is Cristall's final year in the league, because it means that his offensive reign of terror is coming to an end. To give you an idea of just how unstoppable he was, earlier this season he became just the first WHLer in the 21st century to amass 400 regular season points. A mid-season trade to Spokane only made him more dangerous, clicking immediately with fellow dynamo Berkly Catton. He’s creative, his offensive vision is razor-sharp, and he’s a wizard with the puck on his stick. So then why did he slide to the second-round in the 2023 draft and get snubbed by Hockey Canada for the World Juniors? Simply put, he’s a poor skater for a guy his size and plays at a low pace, which can sometimes make him a 200-foot liability. Cristall will need to be developed and deployed appropriately and carefully in order to translate his current success to the NHL.

4 - Ilya Protas

What a season it was for Ilya Protas, as he made the jump to the OHL with the Windsor Spitfries. He and the Spitfires took the league by storm, jumping to the top of the standings, and a lot of that can be attributed to the remarkable performance of Protas. The big winger is such a well rounded and intelligent offensive player. He’s highly skilled. He has great vision with the puck and demonstrates the poise of a player who you’d assume already has pro experience. He’s a committed two-way player who was utilized by Windsor in all situations. Like his brother Aliaksei, who just enjoyed a breakout year for the Washington Capitals, the only thing missing from his game is dynamic skating ability. Improving his quickness and agility will be paramount to his NHL success. The question is, where does Protas play next year? He could return to Windsor for another year or he could turn pro and play in the AHL as a 19/20 year old. Either choice would have potential drawbacks and benefits.

5 - Ivan Miroschnichenko

Even if his play in the NHL remains a work in progress, Miroschnichenko’s second pro season in North America had to be considered a mild success. He established himself as an excellent goal scorer at the AHL level with Hershey and he’s learning how to best utilize his shot and strength on North American ice. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 21, the age that most CHL players begin their pro journey; Miroschnichenko played in the AHL as an “underager” two seasons ago. With a few contracts coming off the books this offseason, one has to wonder if Miroschnichenko will be given every opportunity to earn a top nine role with the Capitals next season. His combination of skating ability, strength on the puck, and scoring instincts makes him the ideal complementary winger for a creative playmaking pivot. He could easily develop into a perennial 25 goal scorer for Washington in the near future and someone who can help ease the eventual transition post Alex Ovechkin.

6 - Lynden Lakovic

It’s still early, but the Capitals getting to add Lakovic at 27th overall currently looks like one of the best value picks of the 2025 draft. The Moose Jaw winger and team captain finished 13th overall on the final McKeen's ranking, and was even higher than that at earlier points in the season, because he absolutely oozes upside. For someone of his height he’s surprisingly slick and slippery with the puck, he’s quite coordinated as a skater, and his vision and creativity as a playmaker can’t be beat by many prospects out there. Oddly enough, the biggest knock on his game right now is that he’s too much of a gentle giant, shying away from contact more than he should and failing to take better advantage of his natural physical tools. Can that still be taught to him, or is it an inherent part of his personality? The Capitals are hoping that it’s the former, because if they can help Lakovic unlock that part of his game then there’s no telling just how good he could become.

7 - Ryan Chesley

Ryan Chesley, a 2022 second-round pick of the Capitals, was a steady presence on the back end for the University of Minnesota for the last three seasons. While he did show growth offensively by cracking the 20 point plateau in his third collegiate season, he is predominantly a defensive defenceman. Chesley loves to play the body, but also is a good enough skater that he can be very effective in shutting down rush chances. On retrievals and in transition, Chesley is good at making quick, effective reads and getting the puck up ice. In college he would occasionally jump up in the play, but that likely won’t be very prevalent in his game at the pro level. He projects as a safe, dependable, stay at home defender that comfortably fits on a third pairing but has upside to contribute on a second pairing. He will continue his development in Hershey this season.

8 - Terik Parascak

There was an expectation coming in this season that Parascak's point totals might come back down to Earth a little, especially now that he's no longer the unknown and unexpected scoring phenom that he was at the beginning of last year. That has indeed happened, but he has also proven that his breakout campaign wasn't just some kind of fluke. This is one driven, highly intelligent young player who just keeps erasing doubts about his underwhelming strength and skating ability. Few can match his instincts and anticipation in the offensive zone, which causes pucks to gravitate to his stick right before he strikes quickly with them. And despite lacking size he's not afraid to go into the dirty areas and absorb some punishment to help create scoring chances. There's still a lot of work to be done, and the Capitals will need to be patient, but Parascak has the potential to become a useful complementary piece in an NHL roster puzzle.

9 - Vincent Iorio

Iorio has essentially hit a crossroads in his development. The big right shot defender has the tools to be a quality bottom pairing defender in the NHL. He is mobile. He makes a great first pass. He competes physically and takes away space. Offensively, he’s not a standout; he’s not a skilled puckhandler or someone confident in jumping up in the play. He’s content with being that stable, stay at home defender. The issue is that the Capitals just don’t have room for him right now. That becomes an even larger issue next year when he is no longer exempt from waivers. If he performs well in camp, does Washington move out someone like Trevor Van Riemsdyk? Does he beat out someone like Declan Chisholm to earn the seventh defender spot? Either way, Iorio’s future with the Capitals may just be decided soon.

10 - Justin Sourdif

Justin Sourdif's scoring pace improved from his first two years in the AHL as he continues to refine his game at the pro level. Justin plays a well-rounded game, adding value both on and off the puck. His hands and ability to muscle through traffic are impressive, and he gets to the dirty areas to look for rebounds, making him an effective transitional player suitable for the NHL. Sourdif's shot has mystified AHL goaltenders this year as his release is a bit unorthodox and comes off quick. On the defensive end, Sourdif grinds hard on the backcheck to break up plays and is skilled at recovering pucks off the boards in scrums. After the Capitals paid a steep price to acquire Sourdif, he will likely see the NHL sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Sourdif playing a valuable role in the Capitals' bottom six within the next two years.

11 - Milton Gastrin

A long-time captain in Sweden’s junior program, Gastrin is your prototypical hardworking forward who can play the game any way it comes. Possessing great straight-line speed, Gastrin is hard on the forecheck and relentless in his puck pursuit. He brings the size, skills, and hockey IQ to one day be an above average lower line forward entrusted with yeoman duties. It’s very possible that there’ll be more in the tank offensively down the line.

12 - Eriks Mateiko

We’ve loved Matiko’s size/aggressiveness combination for several years now, but the hulking winger put things into overdrive this winter. One of the most impressive goal scorers at the 2025 WJC, Mateiko then took serious flight with the Rimouski Océanic in their Memorial Cup hosting run after a midseason trade from Saint John. We saw improved passing, positional responsibility, and puck pressuring, with smarts and skills added to his previous intensity. What can he do for an encore?

13 - Leon Muggli

With a few shifts for the Hershey Bears this past spring, Muggli concluded a 2024-25 season that - statwise - was rather bland for a prospect who was one of the biggest risers in his draft year. More indicative of his progress was the often gaudy amount of ice time he got for EV Zug this past season, spent entirely as an 18-year-old. Still eligible for the upcoming WJC, Muggli is expected to establish himself in the AHL this season.

14 - Cam Allen

A solidly built RHD with a variety of tools, Allen has constantly left the scouting community wanting more since his 2023 draft season, one that saw him drop to the fifth round. The doubts continued in his injury-shortened DY+1 but found a wonderful end after a midseason trade to the OHL champs - and Memorial Cup-winning - London Knights, with whom he excelled as a multifaceted player who can play the game anyway it comes. His pro career starts this season.

15 - David Gucciardi

Coming off a quietly successful four-year tenure at Michigan State, including an outstanding senior season for the highly ranked Spartans, Gucciardi features a lot more puck-moving ability and rush-joining mobility than his numbers to date may indicate. Having concluded this past season on an ATO with the AHL affiliate, including his first pro goal, Gucciardi is scheduled to become a full-time pro this season and could be one of four Capitals-drafted blueline prospects in Hershey.

2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: FLORIDA PANTHERS – Top 15 Affiliated Prospects

Wed, 14 May 2025 19:57:22 +0000

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 08: Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) gets tripped up by Florida Panthers right wing Justin Sourdif (24) in the first period during game one of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Amerant Bank Area in Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

Subscribers can download the PDF in subscriber downloads. Florida 25 Prospects

MCKEEN’S 2024-25 NHL YEARBOOK – FLORIDA PANTHERS – Top 15 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #32

Introduction - Dave Hall, Profiles - Brock Otten — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:00:33 +0000

_{PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 26: Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (25) warms up before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Florida Panthers on January 26, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)}

Prospect System Ranking – 32nd (Previous Rank - 31st)
GM: Bill Zito Hired: September 2020
COACH: Paul Maurice Hired: June 2022

The Florida Panthers are riding high as the current Stanley Cup Champions, buoyed by the momentum of back-to-back Final appearances. However, that success has come at a cost, as GM Bill Zito has heavily leveraged the team’s future to maximize their chances in the present.

For the third consecutive year, the club skipped day one of the NHL Draft, a lingering consequence of their 2023 trade deadline acquisition of Claude Giroux in 2022. The road ahead doesn’t get easier for the Panthers, as they owe further picks for acquiring Matthew Tkachuk and Vladimir Tarasenko, including their 2025 first, third, and fourth-round selections. Additionally, they sacrificed their 2025 second-round pick to move up and select Linus Eriksson 58th overall in the 2024 Draft. As it stands, Florida will not make a selection until the fourth round in 2025. Then again, that pill is much easier to swallow with a Stanley Cup banner hanging from the rafters.

The Panthers’ prospect situation remains largely unchanged. Even with six new draftees in 2024, the team still only has one prospect in McKeen’s top 200—Mackie Samoskevich. It’s worth noting that Samoskevich has dropped from 77th to the 100th spot, barely holding onto his top 100 status. On a slightly positive note, Linus Eriksson, their recent top pick, now sits as McKeen’s 248th-ranked prospect, giving Florida a second name within the top 250.

Despite these additions, the organization continues to rely heavily on its veteran core, having graduated just two prospects over the past five years. Luckily, Anton Lundell has proven to be a formidable asset, backed up by an impressive playoff performance this past spring, where his 17 points (3G, 14A) in 24 games finished seventh most among all NHL skaters. Meanwhile, Spencer Knight, now on the road to playing games again, remains poised to solidify a backup role behind Sergei Bobrovsky as a waiver-exempt 23-year-old.

Despite their thin prospect depth, the Panthers are in a healthy position with a list of primed veterans ready to keep that Stanley Cup window open for the foreseeable future.

Florida Panthers Top-15 Prospects

1. Mackie Samoskevich

Samoskevich had a terrific first pro season; his offensive production and performance carried over seamlessly from the NCAA level. He led a low scoring Charlotte Checkers team in scoring from start to finish and even earned a few cups of coffee with the Panthers. Samoskevich is an outstanding facilitator because of his high-end vision and ability to make sound decisions when playing with pace. He combines skill with high end speed and most definitely possesses the potential to be an impact top six forward for the Florida Panthers in the near future. While the re-signing of Sam Reinhart likely decreased Samoskevich’s likelihood of breaking camp with Florida, there could still be a very real opportunity for Samoskevich this season. If he earns significant ice time and responsibility, he could be a sneaky Calder contender on a strong Florida Panthers roster.

2. Linus Eriksson

Florida’s second round selection in 2024, we really liked Linus Eriksson at McKeen’s Hockey, ranking him 40th heading into the draft. A strong two-way pivot, Eriksson oozes leadership capabilities, serving as the captain of Sweden’s U18 team this past year. He’s a very versatile player thanks to his strength on/off the puck, tenacity, and speed. The real question is, what kind of offensive upside does Eriksson possess? Could he be a second line center, or does he project better in the bottom six? That remains to be seen. Last year, Eriksson spent half the year with Djurgårdens IF of the Allsvenskan (Swedish second league) and actually performed admirably there. This coming year, he will try to earn more ice time and responsibility as a professional. He will also look to be a solid role player on Sweden’s entry at the World Junior Championships.

3. Matvei Shuravin

Another 2024 draft selection that we ranked highly at McKeen’s Hockey (34th), Shuravin looks like a savvy pick up at the end of the third round. The big defender is highly mobile and offers intriguing upside as a two-way player. He started his draft year very strongly in the KHL but faded in the second half due to some injury and illness issues. At the very least, Shuravin’s length, mobility, and physical potential give him upside as a defensive stalwart at the NHL level. However, we believe that his game has more to offer offensively as he develops confidence. This coming season, Shuravin will attempt to become a KHL regular with CSKA, hoping to sustain the strong start he got off to last year. Unquestionably, he is a long-term project, especially when you factor in contractual issues with the KHL, however, he could be worth the wait.

4. Gracyn Sawchyn

A second round selection by Florida last year, Sawchyn split this past year between Seattle and Edmonton of the WHL. He (and the rights to his younger brother Lukas) were dealt to Edmonton near the WHL trade deadline and he finished out the year with the Oil Kings, but failed to help them make the WHL playoffs. Sawchyn is an interesting prospect because of his intriguing blend of skill and tenacity. He brings a physical element and a pest like approach, but is also highly skilled with the puck and is a high end playmaker. The issue is consistency. Sawchyn is still someone best described as not being the sum of his parts yet. His ultimate upside depends on his ability to be able to put everything together to become a consistent play driver. In Edmonton next year, the expectation is that Sawchyn will become one of the better offensive players in the WHL and help the Oil Kings push up the WHL standings. Anything less than an 80 point season in his final junior year would likely be classified as a disappointment.

5. Justin Sourdif

While Sourdif’s offensive production only improved mildly in his sophomore pro season, the Panthers have to be happy with the progression of his game. Sourdif is most effective when he’s able to play through the middle of the ice and get to the net. He struggled to do that consistently as an AHL rookie two years ago due to strength deficits. But this past year, he was a more consistent playmaker by winning more battles in high traffic areas and maintaining possession through contract. His quick feet make him elusive and his high energy approach makes him an effective off puck player. One would assume that Florida will continue to be patient with Sourdif, even if he received a cup of coffee with the main club last year. He likely returns to the AHL this year, where the Panthers will be looking for him to take another step forward offensively. He’s still on the right path to developing into a quality middle six forward in the future.

6. Jack Devine

How could you not be impressed by the progression of Devine’s game through three seasons with Denver in the NCAA? He has nearly doubled his offensive production each of the first three years and that culminated with him becoming one of the better offensive players in college hockey last season. He finished inside the top ten of NCAA scoring, leading the Pioneers in goals and points as a junior. It’s fair to say that he is ready to turn pro, however he will instead return to Denver for his senior season. When Devine was drafted, there were concerns with his projection given his lack of dynamic skating ability in combination with the lack of a standout quality offensive skill. That’s why he fell to the seventh round despite being previously hyped with the U.S. NTDP. He has since worked hard to get his skating up to par and improvements made to his strength on the puck have allowed him to take greater advantage of his high end vision and IQ. Simply put, Devine is an incredibly intelligent player in the offensive end, with and without the puck. How will his game translate to the pro level? That’s still a bit of a mystery. However, he has improved his odds of becoming a potential impact support player for the Panthers in the future.

7. Sandis Vilmanis

Since entering the OHL through the Import Draft, Vilmanis has been an interesting case. Playing with the Sarnia Sting, he had consistently passed the eye test with his high end skill and ability to play a North/South game. However, the production had previously not added up and been consistent. A midseason move to North Bay appeared to unlock that. With the Battalion, Vilmanis was one of the OHL’s best offensive players in the second half, operating at nearly a goal per game. He dominates near the net front area and improved his play away from the puck, a previous concern for Vilmanis. Sandis’ strong play with North Bay has earned him an ELC from Florida and he will turn pro this year. In the AHL, the focus for Vilmanis will be to continue to improve his off puck play to help him earn touches so that he can take greater advantage of his high-end puck skill and shooting ability. He projects as a quality middle six option in a few years.

8. Michael Benning

Perhaps the most positive thing about Benning’s first pro season was that he showed a willingness to battle defensively and physically, improving his likelihood of being an NHL defender. The offensive skills have never been questioned. Benning has a big point shot and moves the puck well at the point; there is definite upside as a powerplay quarterback. However, the undersized defender has always had question marks about his ability to defend effectively at the pro level. Last year has helped to alleviate those concerns. Are they gone completely? Absolutely not. The next step for Benning will be to improve his offensive production because that is the key to him being an NHL defender. He’s going to have to be a difference maker with the puck as a facilitator to earn an NHL promotion. At the AHL level that should come with experience and greater confidence. Look for Benning to spend another year or two at the AHL level before finally earning a potential permanent role with Florida.

9. Simon Zether

A big power center, Zether was a fourth round selection by the Panthers this year. He plays a mature, two-way game already, excelling in tight quarters. He protects the puck extremely well and is difficult to stop as he pushes his way through the middle of the ice. Zether’s offensive production was very limited at the SHL level last year, however it’s important to note that he played for a deep and talented Rogle team that finished as SHL finalists. In order to earn more ice time and responsibility at the pro level, Zether is going to drop down a level to the Allsvenkan next year with Vasteras. The focus for him needs to be on improving his skating. Can he get quicker and improve his agility to allow him to play with greater pace at the pro level? With the right development, Zether could become a solid middle six option down the line.

10. Ryan McAllister

A high profile signing out of Western Michigan last year, McAllister’s first pro season can best be characterized as up and down with Charlotte. He was in and out of the lineup, but largely produced when he played. McAllister is a well-rounded offensive player. He skates well. He has a quality shot. He is skilled with the puck and has high end vision. He also has a solid motor and competes for touches, something that bodes well for his eventual progression as an offensive player as he bulks up and becomes more equipped to play through contact at the pro level. So why didn’t he play more? That remains a bit of a mystery and it is something that frustrated Panthers’ fans last year. Hopefully this season McAllister can earn a permanent spot in Charlotte’s top six forward group and become a quality point producer at the AHL level. Still only 22, McAllister was young for an NCAA free agent signing and this means that Florida should be patient with him moving forward.

11. Marek Alscher

Anything Alscher brings to the table offensively is simply gravy at this point. Would Florida have preferred to see greater offensive development from Alscher in the WHL last year? Probably. But simply put, it’s not going to be his calling card. Alscher was drafted, and subsequently signed, for his defensive abilities. If he makes the NHL, it will be as a shutdown, stay at home defender for the Panthers. He’ll turn pro next season and could move rapidly through the system if he’s able to adjust to the pace well and make sound decisions with the puck.

12. Josh Davies

A human cannonball, Davies is an ultra-aggressive and pesky forward. He took a positive step forward offensively this year in the WHL, reaching the point per game mark for the first time, however offensive production won’t be his calling card at the next level. He projects as a disruptive, high energy, bottom six option for Florida.

13. Evan Nause

A Memorial Cup champion with Quebec (QMJHL) in 2023, Nause’s pro debut this past year fell completely flat. Seeing your former second round selection forced to the ECHL for most of the year has to be concerning. Can Nause have a better sophomore season as a pro, proving that he can be a future option for Florida’s blueline in the future?

14. Ben Steeves

A free agent signing out of Minnesota-Duluth this past year, Steeves is the younger brother of Maple Leafs’ prospect Alex Steeves. He’s a little ball of energy who loves to play up tempo, bringing skill and tenaciousness. He led UMD in scoring last year and will be entering his first full season of pro hockey. A potential bottom six piece down the line?

15. Wilmer Skoog

Hard work and determination earned Skoog an NHL deal from Florida this year after he played last season on an AHL deal with Charlotte. However, the big forward’s goal scoring prowess may have had something to do with that too. After starting the season in the ECHL, Skoog worked his way up to a key role with the Checkers and ended up tying for the team lead in goals with Samoskevich. He does his damage near the crease and is best as a support player.

MCKEEN’S 2024 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #31 Florida Panthers

Player Profiles - Brock Otten, Team Overview - Robert Howard — Mon, 27 May 2024 19:17:10 +0000

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 26: Florida Panthers right wing Mackie Samoskevich (25) warms up before the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Florida Panthers on January 26, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire)

The 2023 Stanley Cup Finalist once again returns to the Eastern Conference final as of this writing, with bigger ambitions in mind. It has been a full-on press to finish the job and GM Bill Zito has sacrificed prospect depth repeatedly as a result. The Panthers have no first-round picks in the next two drafts (2024 and 2025) and the 2026 first is conditional. Last season at the 2023 deadline, the 2024 pick was used to acquire rental, Claude Giroux, while the 2025 pick was moved in the blockbuster Tkachuk trade. More draft capital (3rd and 4th round picks) was moved at the 2024 trade deadline to add Vladimir Tarasenko, also likely moving on in the new season. They do not have a pick until the third round in this year’s draft.

It says something about the depth of your prospect pool, when you only have one player ranked in the top 200 prospects. Mackie Samoskevich was their last first round pick back in 2021 and is currentlyranked 77th overall by McKeens. They have had two prospects graduate in the last five years in solid Anton Lundell who has appeared in 216 games for the club and goaltender Spence Knight. Knight enjoyed a strong bounce back season in the AHL after entering in NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Still young at 23-years-old, and drafted 13th overall, it is encouraging to see him back on a path to fulfill his considerable potential. Now waivers exempt, he should back up Sergei Bobrovsky, who is signed for another two years. The Panthers core remains in the prime with most of their key players 28-years old or younger. Their window to win the Stanley Cup will remain open for a while yet.

RNK	PLAYER	POS	AGE	HT/WT	TM	Acquired	GP	G(W)	A(L)	PTS(GAA)	PIM(SPCT)
1	Mackie Samoskevich	RW	21	5-11/190	Charlotte (AHL)	`21(24th)	62	22	32	54	24
					Florida (NHL)	`21(24th)	7	0	0	0	0
2	Gracyn Sawchyn	C	19	5-11/160	Sea-Edm (WHL)	`23(63rd)	54	19	45	64	44
3	Justin Sourdif	RW	22	5-11/180	Charlotte (AHL)	`20(87th)	58	12	26	38	62
4	Jack Devine	RW	20	5-11/175	Denver (NCHC)	`22(221st)	44	27	29	56	20
5	Sandis Vilmanis	LW	20	6-1/190	Sar-NB (OHL)	`22(157th)	60	38	29	67	10
6	Michael Benning	D	22	5-9/185	Charlotte (AHL)	`20(95th)	72	9	17	26	50
7	Santtu Kinnunen	D	25	6-3/190	Charlotte (AHL)	`18(207th)	68	4	17	21	24
8	Ryan McAllister	LW	22	5-10/185	Charlotte (AHL)	FA(4/23)	37	8	11	19	16
9	Mack Guzda	G	23	6-5/210	Charlotte (AHL)	FA(2/22)	2	1	1	2.02	0.930
10	Marek Alscher	D	20	6-3/205	Portland (WHL)	`22(93rd)	57	7	19	26	43
11	Josh Davies	LW	20	5-9/195	Portland (WHL)	`22(186th)	55	36	25	61	91
12	Evan Nause	D	21	6-2/190	Florida (ECHL)	`21(56th)	28	0	5	5	17
13	Patrick Giles	C	24	6-4/215	Charlotte (AHL)	FA(9/22)	66	13	10	23	31
14	Liam Arnsby	C	20	5-10/180	North Bay (OHL)	`22(214th)	60	11	23	34	93
15	Albert Wikman	D	19	6-1/190	Farjestads (Swe J20)	`23(127th)	45	3	17	20	18

1. Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

Mackie Samoskevich has had a terrific first pro season; his offensive production and performance has carried over seamlessly from the NCAA level. He led the Charlotte Checkers in scoring all year and even earned a few cups of coffee with the Panthers. Samoskevich is an outstanding facilitator because of his high-end vision and ability to make sound decisions when playing with pace. He combines skill with high end speed and most definitely possesses the potential to be an impact top six forward for the Florida Panthers in the near future. With a few of Florida’s deadline acquisitions set to become UFA’s and the future of Sam Reinhart up in the air, there could be a very real opportunity for him next season. If he earns significant ice time and responsibility, he could be a sneaky Calder contender on a strong Florida Panthers roster.

2. Gracyn Sawchyn, C, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)

A second-round selection last year, Gracyn Sawchyn split this year between Seattle and Edmonton of the WHL. He (and the rights to his younger brother Lukas) were dealt to Edmonton near the WHL trade deadline and he finished out the year with the Oil Kings. He is an intriguing prospect because of his blend of skill and tenacity. He brings a physical element and a pest like approach but is also highly skilled with the puck and a high-end playmaker. The issue is consistency. Sawchyn is still someone best described as not being the sum of his parts yet. His ultimate upside depends on his ability to be able to put everything together to become a consistent play driver. In Edmonton next year, the expectation is that he will become one of the better offensive players in the WHL and help the Oil Kings push up the WHL standings. Anything less than an 80-point season in his final junior year would likely be classified as a disappointment.

3. Justin Sourdif, C/RW, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

While Justin Sourdif’s offensive production only improved mildly in his sophomore pro season, the Panthers have to be happy with the progression of his game. Sourdif is most effective when he’s able to play through the middle of the ice and get to the net. He struggled to do that consistently as an AHL rookie last year due to strength deficits. But this year, he was able to be a more consistent playmaker by winning more battles in high traffic areas and maintaining possession through contract. His quick feet make him elusive, and his high energy approach makes him an effective off puck player. One would assume that Florida will continue to be patient with Sourdif, even if he received a cup of coffee with the main club this year. He will likely return to the AHL next year, where Florida will be looking for him to take another step forward offensively. He’s still on the right path to developing into a quality middle six forward in the future.

4. Jack Devine, RW, University of Denver (NCAA)

How could you not be impressed by the progression of Jack Devine’s game through three seasons with Denver in the NCAA? He has nearly doubled his offensive production each of the first three years and that has culminated with him becoming one of the better offensive players in college hockey. He finished inside the top ten of NCAA scoring, leading the Pioneers in goals and points as a junior. It’s fair to say that he is ready to turn pro. At the draft he fell to the seventh round over concerns with his lack of dynamic skating ability, combined with the lack of a ‘standout’ offensive skill. However, he’s worked hard to get his skating up to par and improvements made to his strength on the puck has allowed him to take greater advantage of his high-end vision and IQ. How will his game translate to the pro level? That’s still a bit of a mystery. However, he has improved his odds of becoming a potential impact support player in the future.

5. Sandis Vilmanis, RW/LW, North Bay Battalion (OHL)

Since entering the OHL through the Import Draft, Sandis Vilmanis has been an interesting case. Playing with the Sarnia Sting, he had consistently passed the eye test with his high-end skill and ability to play a North/South game. However, the production had previously not added up and been consistent. A mid-season move to North Bay appeared to unlock that. With the Battalion, he has been one of the OHL’s best offensive players in the second half, operating at nearly a goal per game. He dominates near the net front area and is playing a more consistent game off the puck, a previous concern for him. His strong play earned him an ELC from Florida and he will almost certainly turn pro next year. In the AHL, the focus for him will be to continue to improve his off puck play to help him earn touches so that he can take greater advantage of his high-end puck skill and shooting ability. He projects as a quality middle six option in a few years.

6. Michael Benning, D, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

Perhaps the most positive thing about Michael Benning’s first pro season has been that he’s shown a willingness to battle defensively and physically, improving his likelihood of being an NHL defender. The offensive skills have never been questioned. He has a big point shot and moves the puck well at the point; there is definite upside as a powerplay quarterback. However, the undersized defender has always had question marks about his ability to defend effectively at the pro level. This year has helped to alleviate those concerns. Are they gone completely? Absolutely not. The next step will be to improve his offensive production because that is the key to him being an NHL defender. He’s going to have to be a difference maker with the puck as a facilitator to earn an NHL promotion. At the AHL level that should come with experience and greater confidence. Look for Benning to spend another year or two at the AHL level before finally earning a potential permanent role with Florida.

7. Santtu Kinnunen, D, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

Santtu Kinnunen exploded onto the scene last year with a terrific freshman year in the AHL after marinating in Finland for many years. Florida’s patience with the former seventh round pick had looked to be finally paying off. However, this year has been a bit of a step back for him as a second-year pro. It’s been why he has been passed over for other players like waiver claims Josh Mahura and Tobias Bjornfot, or the slightly older Uvis Balinskis as an injury fill in on the Panthers’ blueline. Kinnunen is still quite slight and the consistency of his defensive play has been an issue. Combine that with decreased offensive production and you can see why Florida has gone in other directions. Will he receive a qualifying offer this summer? It seems likely but is probably not guaranteed. Next year will be a big one for him if he does return to Florida, as he will look to prove that he can be a solid two-way option.

8. Ryan McAllister, C, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

A high profile signing out of Western Michigan last year, Ryan McAllister’s first pro season has been up and down with Charlotte. He’s been in and out of the lineup as a scratch but has largely produced when he has played. He is a well-rounded offensive player. He skates well. Owns a quality shot. He is skilled with the puck and has high end vision. He also has a solid motor and competes for touches, something that bodes well for his eventual progression as an offensive player as he bulks up and becomes more equipped to play through contact at the pro level. So why hasn’t he played more? That remains a bit of a mystery. Hopefully next season he can earn a permanent spot in Charlotte’s top six forward group and become a quality point producer at the AHL level. Still only 22, McAllister was young for an NCAA free agent signing and this means that Florida should be patient with him moving forward.

9. Mack Guzda, G, Charlotte Checkers (AHL)

A free agent signing out of the OHL last year, Mack Guzda largely impressed in his first pro season, giving Florida hope that big netminder could develop into an NHL netminder. However, injuries have effectively wiped out his second season. He hasn’t played since November and it would appear that his season is essentially over. The 6’ 5” goaltender’s best asset is obviously his size. He is technically sound and covers his posts well, challenging shooters to take away angles. Even when he drops down to the butterfly, he still takes away so much of the net and his quick pads make him tough to beat high and low. The injury this year has definitely delayed his timeline. The focus next year will now solely be health related. Florida will be looking for him to get back to playing 30+ games for Charlotte and then can make an evaluation on his potential NHL future.

10. Marek Alscher, D, Portland Winterhawks (WHL)

Anything Marek Alscher brings to the table offensively is simply gravy at this point. Would Florida have preferred to see greater offensive development from Alscher in the WHL this year? Probably. But, simply put, it’s not going to be his calling card. He was drafted (and subsequently signed) for his defensive abilities. If he makes the NHL, it will be as a shutdown, stay at home defender for the Panthers. The 6’ 3” defender moves well, has a great stick, brings consistent physicality, and has a great mind in the defensive end. He is very difficult to play against and it is one of the reasons why Portland is considered a tough team to beat. It was also one of the reasons why Czechia captured a bronze medal at this year’s WJC’s and he was named one of the top three players on the team despite zero points. He’ll turn pro next season and could move rapidly through the system if he’s able to adjust to the pace.

PROSPECT CRITERIA: Players under 26 years of age as of 9/15/2024 who have appeared in less than 60 games (30 for goalies) and less than 25 in one season (25 for goalies).

MCKEEN’S 2023-24 NHL YEARBOOK – FLORIDA PANTHERS – Top 20 Prospect Profiles – Organizational Rank #30

Brock Otten, Derek Neumeier, Chapin Landvogt and Josh Bell — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:12 +0000

SUNRISE, FL - JANUARY 21: Grigori Denisenko #14 of the Florida Panthers skates during the game between the Florida Panthers and the Minnesota Wild at FLA Live Arean in Sunrise, FL on January 21, 2023. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire)

Top 20 Florida Panther Prospects

1. Mackie Samoskevich - RW

Selected 24th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Samoskevich has become the top prospect in the organization, thanks in part to the graduations of Anton Lundell and Spencer Knight. Samoskevich has been consistent in his development path, taking a step forward every season from his time with the Chicago Steel and throughout his NCAA career with the University of Michigan. His offensive awareness looks to be his greatest strength, from his navigation of the attacking zone to his ability to find teammates through traffic. He’s a competitive player, who has increasingly become more and more reliable at both ends of the ice. As has been the case since his draft year, he can hang on to the puck too long and get caught, but that seems to be lessening. He has the potential to be a 2C at the next level but may slide more comfortably into a 3C role.

2. Gracyn Sawchyn - C

Sawchyn is a cerebral pass-first center. He thrives when the puck is on his stick, always knowing what his next move with it should be, whether that's continuing to carry it himself for a while longer or moving it to a better-positioned teammate. His hands are top-tier, able to make opposing defenders look foolish, and he is very accurate and responsible with his passes, rarely forcing plays or turning the puck over. While he's not the fastest or most technically adept skater he keeps his motor revved high and his feet moving, which allows him to get a step ahead when he needs to, and he doesn't have to slow himself down at all to make his next move when he's carrying the puck in motion. Those are all advantages that he will need to maintain in order to survive the speed and physicality of the NHL, and how good of a job he does in that regard will determine where he'll settle into his team's lineup. He'll be a key piece for the Thunderbirds next year, maybe even as their first-line center, as they try to pull off the rare feat of winning back-to-back WHL championships.

3. Grigori Denisenko - LW

Drafted 15th overall way back in 2018, expectations were high for Denisenko and have remained fairly high ever since. It’s been a longer path than normal for the prospect, especially one drafted as high as him. He has remained a piece that the Panthers continue to have faith in and hold out for, despite him being in his third season in North America already with little sustained success to show for it. After a slow start in years one and two, he seemed to have taken a step forward last season with the Charlotte Checkers. He still has that skill that caused excitement years ago, especially with his quick hands and sharp turns, and he’s a firecracker on the ice. His decision-making can be concerning at times but has improved during his time in the AHL. At this point, his ceiling has dropped and it’s hard to see him as more than a bottom-six, contributing winger.

4. Justin Sourdif - RW

After two successful seasons in the WHL, Sourdif was rewarded with a selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, 87th overall. He continued a very strong WHL career for three more seasons, capping it off with a WHL Championship in 2021-22. Last season, he made the jump to the AHL where he didn’t pop as he had in the Dub, but he wasn’t far off either. The forward has a never-give-up attitude mixed with excellent speed, enabling him to win most races to the puck. His puck protection and possession are very strong, never wanting to give up the puck to his opponents. He’s also effective at both ends of the ice, making him even more dynamic. He has the makings of a solid third liner and a penalty-killer in the NHL but needs to build more strength and get more comfortable in the AHL first.

5. Aleksi Heponiemi - C

The wait for Heponiemi has been a very long one. Drafted way back in 2017, the forward has yet to truly break into the NHL, despite seeing time in the top league during each of the past three seasons. Heponiemi was a very exciting prospect heading into the draft, coming over to the WHL in 2016-17 and

winning Rookie of the Year. He played one more season with the Swift Current Broncos and put up a very impressive 118-points. He followed that with a big year in the Liiga, leading all rookies in points (46) before heading to the AHL in 2019-20. Heponiemi has struggled to truly find that dominance that he had in other leagues, looking more like a bottom-six contributor versus a potential offensive catalyst. He’s still a very strong playmaker, but his size (5-10”, 154 pounds) has contributed to his struggles in carving out an NHL role for himself. This summer, he signed with EHC Biel-Bienne in the Swiss National League and he remains unsigned by the Panthers as of this writing, putting his NHL future in serious question.

6. Michael Benning - D

Another player of smaller size in the Panthers system, Benning had a dominant career in the AJHL, leading the league in points from a defender in both of his seasons and being named the Top Defender in both the AJHL and CJHL in his final year. After being drafted in 2020, 95th overall, he made the jump to the NCAA with the University of Denver. After taking the first season to get comfortable, he found his way back to his dominating ways in 2021-22, leading Denver to an NCAA Championship and earning Tournament MVP in the process. The 5-9”, 181-pound rearguard truly shines in his transition game, dictating the play and pace of his team from his own end. He’s fearless with the puck and has a level of creativity that allows him to create chances in the offensive zone. The transition to the next level will be tough with his size, but he has the tools to succeed.

7. Evan Nause - D

Nause was a polarizing prospect throughout his draft year and that hasn’t changed as a drafted prospect. His draft year was solid, earning him a nod to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team and he then took a step forward when given an expanded role in 2021-22. His progression last season wasn’t as pronounced, but the Remparts were Memorial Cup Champions and Nause’s development is still on the right track and trending up. He has good size and looks like he could develop into a solid two-way presence. He reads the play very well, anticipating passes and cutting off lanes. He plays with a very calm demeanour. That can be an issue at times as he can appear to not play with urgency. He’s still fairly raw, but he has good mobility and the tools to be effective in his own end. He could be a bottom-of-the-line-up option that bounces between the AHL and NHL.

8. John Ludvig - D

After being passed over in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Panthers bet on Ludvig in 2019, selecting him 69th overall. He was coming off an 18-point season, more than double his previous total. In 2019-20, he returned to the Portland Winterhawks as the captain and exploded for a 62-point season and was named a First Team All-Star in the league. That was all the Panthers needed to see to sign him to his entry-level deal. Unfortunately, it’s been a tough road for the defender since then with several injury setbacks. He seemed on a path to be a physical, contributing rearguard who plays a mistake-free game. With his injuries and the impact on his development, it remains to be seen where he goes from here. Last season saw him get back on track a bit, so it’s up to the Panthers how they want to continue with his development.

9. Albert Wikman - D

There will always be a place in the NHL for steady, no frills, defensive defensemen, and Wikman fits that bill perfectly. He's a new age type of defender though, foregoing the outdated priorities of pugnacity and brawn in exchange for smarts and skating ability. Being able to defend an opposing player one-on-one is much harder than it looks, but you would never know it by watching him because he does it so confidently and casually. He always seems to be in control and has a very businesslike approach about his game. Pressure doesn't seem to faze him, and he rarely panics when the ice is tilted against his team. Without the puck he is very advanced with his positioning, angling and tie-ups, and when he does get it, he is capable on breakouts, as his outlet passes are clean and he's not afraid to skate it out himself. If he were a little bigger, a little more mobile, or a little bit of both, he'd project more as a number two defender than a number four, which is how he looks now. Wikman will never put up big point totals but will still make a positive difference in the win column.

10. Mack Guzda - G

The Panthers have Spencer Knight in net for the foreseeable future, but having another goaltender or two in the system is never a bad thing. Passed over through every NHL Draft he was eligible for, the Panthers signed Guzda as a free agent in February, 2022 while he was in the midst of a strong fourth and final OHL season, putting up a .915 save percentage. He stepped into the AHL last season and performed well as a rookie, playing fairly significant minutes. He’s intelligent, twice winning the Ivan Tennant Award as the Top Academic High School Player in the OHL. He’s got the size at 6- 5”, 216 pounds, the technical ability, and the ability to track pucks, and while he’s not going to be stealing Knights’ spot any time soon, he could fit well behind him moving forward.

11. Santtu Kinnunen - D

Florida had to be very patient with Kinnunen after drafting him in the 7th round of 2018. He finally came over to North America last year and the results were great as he finished second in defensive scoring for Charlotte. As an older prospect, the window of opportunity is probably small, but his puck moving ability is impressive and he could quarterback a powerplay in the future.

12. Logan Hutsko - RW

Even though Hutsko remains an RFA as of this writing and has signed in the SHL for the coming season, he remains someone to be hopeful for. The undersized forward has the skill, he just needs to gain confidence playing against men and the SHL should be great for his development.

13. Ryan McAllister - LW

One of the most sought after NCAA free agents this year, McAllister elected to leave Western Michigan after his freshman year. His playmaking ability and vision are his best assets and he could be a real diamond in the rough for the organization.

14. Marek Alscher - D

Alscher has a solid projection as a dependable stay-at-home defender because of his combination of length, mobility, and physicality. He will return to Portland (WHL) for a final junior season with the hope of improving his confidence with the puck.

15. Ludvig Jansson - D

The surprise of the WJC last year, Jansson came out of nowhere to be one of the tournament’s best defenders. Now he needs to show it at the pro level in the SHL where he has recently joined the Lulea program.

16. Jack Devine - RW

A strong complementary winger, Devine finds success thanks to a great motor and a high IQ. He is coming off of a great sophomore campaign at the U of Denver and will look to become one of the better wingers in the NCAA this season.

17. Sandis Vilmanis - LW

Blocked behind some other talented prospects in Sarnia last year, Vilmanis is primed for a breakout campaign in the OHL this year. The talent is there for the Latvian winger. Let’s see what he does with the opportunity.

18. Josh Davies - LW

Davies is like the “little engine that could.” He’s not the biggest, but he is among the fiercest in the WHL. He never takes a shift off and has developed a pest-like reputation. This year the Panthers will need to decide whether he has earned a contract and they’ll be looking for him to improve his offe nsive production to match his high energy approach.

19. Zach Uens - D

A Merrimack College standout, Uens’ first pro year was a disappointment as he failed to stick in the AHL full time and finished the ECHL season with a mere four points in 35 games. The physical tools are still very alluring, but he needs to have a better year to stay relevant.

20. Nathan Staios - D

The Panthers signed Staios after he won the Max Kaminsky trophy, as the OHL’s top defenseman in 2022. Unfortunately, the undersized blueliner struggled in his first pro year. His mobility is a major plus, but the decision making needs to improve for Staios to stick in the AHL this year.

MCKEEN’S 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – #30 – Florida Panthers

Josh Bell — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:15:06 +0000

Prospect System Ranking – 30^th

The Panthers emerged from a season of transition, which is an unusual position for the previous season’s President’s trophy winner to find themselves. For the 2022 playoffs, they pushed all their chips in to take a run at the Stanley Cup, clearing out the prospect pipeline and leaving themselves with only four picks in the top three rounds over the next three drafts. They were eliminated in the second round, after a mid-season coaching change as Joel Quenneville was suspended and Andrew Brunette took over. Paul Maurice took over the reins in the offseason, accompanying a seismic trade to add Matthew Tkachuck for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar as the main pieces involved. They were looking out of the playoffs by January as the retool took some time to mesh.

Since then, Tkachuck has emerged as one of the best players in the league and adds an element of fire and grit. The Panthers surged in the second half, and as of this writing, currently have the Maple leafs on the ropes 3-1 as of this writing. They will remain a threat with a core in their prime of Barkov, Tkachuck, Reinhart, Bennett, Verhaege, Duclair at forward and Ekblad and Forsling on defense, all 27-years old or younger. There is not a lot of imminent help from the prospect pool. Grigori Denisenko has been highly touted for years, but his development has stagnated. This coming season will clearly be a make-or-break on whether he is a regular NHL contributor or an AHL’er. They have graduated two promising prospects in Anton Lundell and Spencer Knight, so their window is much more open with their current group to grow together.

University of Michigan Ice Hockey team victory over Michigan State University,7-2, at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, MI on Nov.5, 2021.

Mackie Samoskevich

Selected 24th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Mackie Samoskevich has become the top prospect in the organization, thanks in part to the graduation of Anton Lundell and Spencer Knight. Samoskevich has been consistent in his development path, taking a step forward every season from his time with the Chicago Steel through to his NCAA career with the University of Michigan. His offensive awareness looks to be his greatest strength, from his navigation of the attacking zone to his ability to find teammates through traffic. He’s a competitive player, who’s increasingly become more and more reliable at both ends of the ice. As has been the case since his draft year, he can hang on to the puck too long and get caught, but that seems to be lessening. He has the potential to be a 2C at the next level but may slide more comfortably into a 3C role.

2. Grigori Denisenko

Drafted 15th overall way back in 2018, expectations were high for Grigori Denisenko and have remained fairly high ever since. It’s been a longer path than normal for the prospect, especially one drafted as high as him. He’s remained a piece that the Panthers continue to have faith in and hold out for, despite him being in his third season in North America already. After a slow start in years one and two, he seems to have taken a step forward this season with the Charlotte Checkers. He still has that skill that caused excitement years ago, especially with his quick hands and sharp turns, and he’s a firecracker on the ice. His decision-making can be concerning at times but has improved during his time in the AHL. At this point, his ceiling has dropped and it’s hard to see him as more than a bottom-six contributing winger.

3. Justin Sourdif

After two successful seasons in the WHL, Justin Sourdif was rewarded with a selection in the 2020 NHL Draft, 87th overall. He continued a very strong WHL career for three more seasons, capping it off with a WHL Championship in 2021-22. This season, he’s made the jump to the AHL where he hasn’t popped as he did in the Dub, but he’s not far off either. The forward has a never-give-up attitude mixed with excellent speed meaning that he wins most races to the puck. His puck protection and possession are very strong, never wanting to give up the puck to his opponents. He’s also effective in both ends of the ice, making him even more dynamic. He has the makings of a solid third liner and a penalty-killer in the NHL but does need to build some strength and get more comfortable in the AHL first.

4. Aleksi Heponiemi

The wait for Aleksi Heponiemi has been a very long one. Draft way back in 2017, the forward has yet to truly break into the NHL, despite seeing time in each of the last three seasons. Heponiemi was a very exciting prospect heading into the draft, coming over to the WHL in 2016-17 and winning Rookie of the Year. He played one more season with the Swift Current Broncos and had an impressive 118-point season. He followed that with a big year in the Liiga, leading all rookies in points (46) before heading to the AHL in 2019-20. Heponiemi has struggled to truly find that dominance that he had in other leagues, looking more like a bottom-six contributor versus a potential offensive catalyst. He’s still a very strong playmaker, but his size (5-foot-10, 154 pounds) has contributed to his struggles in carving out an NHL role for himself.

5. Michael Benning

Another player on the smaller size in the Panthers system, Michael Benning had a dominant career in the AJHL, leading the league in points from a defender in both of his seasons and being named the Top Defender in the AJHL and CJHL in his final year. After being drafted in 2020, 95th overall, he made the jump to the NCAA and the University of Denver. After taking the first season to get comfortable, he found his way back to his dominating ways in 2021-22, leading Denver to an NCAA Championship and earning Tournament MVP in the process. The 5-foot-9, 181-pound rearguard truly shines in his transition game, dictating the play and pace of his team from his own end. He’s fearless with the puck and has a level of creativity that allows him to create chances in the offensive zone. The transition to the next level will be tough with his size, but he has the tools to succeed.

6. Evan Nause

Evan Nause was a polarizing prospect throughout his draft year and remains so as a drafted prospect. His draft year was solid, earning him a nod to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team and then given an expanded role in 2021-22, he took a step forward. His progression this season hasn’t been as pronounced, but he is still on the right track and trending up. He has good size and looks like he could develop into a solid two-way presence. He reads the play very well, anticipating passes and cutting off lanes. He plays with a very calm demeanour. That can be an issue at times as he can appear to not play with urgency. He’s still fairly raw, but he has good mobility and the tools to be effective in his own end. He could be a bottom-of-the-line-up option that bounces between the AHL and NHL.

7. John Ludvig

After being passed over in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Panthers bet on John Ludvig in 2019, selecting him 69th overall. He was coming off an 18-point season, more than double his previous total. In 2019-20, he returned to the Portland Winterhawks as the captain and exploded for a 62-point season and was named a First Team All-Star. That was all the Panthers needed to see to sign him to his entry-level deal. Unfortunately, it’s been a tough road for the defender since then with several injury setbacks. He seemed on a path to be a physical, contributing rearguard who plays a mistake-free game. With his injuries and the impact on his development, it remains to be seen where he goes from here. This season has seen him back on track a bit, so it’s up to the Panthers if they want to continue with his development.

8. Mack Guzda

The Panthers have Spencer Knight in net for the foreseeable future, but having another goaltender or two in the system is never a bad this. Passed over through every NHL Draft he was eligible for, the Panthers signed Mack Guzda as a free agent in February 2022 while he was in the midst of a strong fourth and final OHL season where he had a .915 save percentage. He’s stepped into the AHL this season and performed well as a rookie playing fairly significant minutes. He’s an intelligent prospect, twice winning the Ivan Tennant Award as the Top Academic High School Player in the OHL. He’s got the size at 6-foot-5, 216 pounds, the technical ability, and the ability to track pucks, and while he’s not going to be stealing Knights’ spot any time soon, he could fit well behind him moving forward.

9. Santtu Kinnunen

It’s not too often that seventh-round selections pan out, but it appears that Santtu Kinnunen is well on his way. Drafted 207th overall in 2018, the defender remained in Finland until this season, bouncing between the Liiga and Mestis for two seasons before carving out a full-time role for himself with a new team, Tappara, for the past two seasons. At the end of his 2022 campaign, where he helped Tappara to a league title, he signed his entry-level deal with the Panthers. In his first season in the AHL with the Checkers, he’s fit in well as a top-four defender, contributing offensively and holding his own in his own end. He’s looking more and more like a player that could play in the NHL, as a solid, two-way, bottom-four piece. At the very least, he looks to be a solid AHLer who earns the occasional call-up.

10. Logan Hutsko

Yet another prospect coming out of the 2018 NHL Draft, the Panthers took a bit of a gamble selecting him 89th overall. From a fractured vertebra that nearly left him paralyzed to an injury to his left MCL and kneecap, he missed practically all of the 2016-17 season and wasn’t selected in the 2017 NHL Draft. He came back in 2017-18 to his first season at Boston College, where he was named Hockey East Rookie of the Year and helped lead the team to three Hockey East Championships in the next four seasons, although his final year was shortened with yet another injury. He joined the Checkers in 2021-22, where he does seem to be back on track, but the seriousness of his injuries is still a concern. If he ever gets a chance to play in the NHL, what a story that would be for the forward.

MCKEENS 2023 NHL PROSPECT REPORT – Risers and fallers over the 22-23 season

Brock Otten — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:14:11 +0000

The last time we ranked the NHL’s top prospects was late in the summer when we published our annual Yearbook. A lot can change in a year and as such there were several significant movers and shakers in our latest rankings for this prospect guide. Here are fifteen of the biggest risers and five of the largest fallers.

You can find our most recent ranking here.

Risers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 27: Minnesota Gophers forward Jimmy Snuggerud (81) celebrates a goal during the college hockey game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Minnesota Gophers on January 27th, 2022, at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Jimmy Snuggerud (94 to 19) - St. Louis Blues

When Snuggerud was the 23rd overall pick at last year’s draft, many were fans of his game, but there were certainly concerns that his success as part of the NTDP could be attributed to the stars he was playing with. However, early returns on this selection by St. Louis are fantastic as Snuggerud was one of the top performing freshmen in the NCAA this year with Minnesota and starred for Team USA at the WJC’s, where he helped them capture a bronze medal. Snuggerud continues to improve his skating and play with the puck, and it has improved his odds of being a long time top six player in the NHL.

Marco Kasper (79 to 24) - Detroit Red Wings

In our draft guide last year, we ranked Kasper 24th over concerns regarding his offensive upside, but the 8th overall pick has progressed nicely in his second SHL season, improving his offensive production, in addition to dominating physically at times. While there is a chance that Kasper ends up as more of a middle six type, he has deservedly moved up our list because of his unique blend of power and skill.

Alexander Nikishin (130 to 27) - Carolina Hurricanes

It has been quite a development year for Nikishin as the 21-year-old defender has emerged as one of the top defenders in the KHL. He led the KHL in scoring among defensemen with 55 points. Not only was that the highest point total by a U22 defender in the history of the league, but it was also the highest point total of any player period, breaking Kirill Kaprizov’s mark from a few years ago. The bad news? Nikishin’s contract with SKA runs until 2025.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: Boston University Terriers defenseman Lane Hutson (20) carries the puck during the Hockey East Championship game between the Boston University Terriers and the Merrimack College Warriors on March 18, 2023, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire)

Lane Hutson (158 to 38) - Montreal Canadiens

Calling a player a “steal” immediately after the conclusion of the draft can be a dangerous proposition. Players often fall for a reason. In the case of Lane Hutson, everyone in the scouting community believed that the Canadiens had obtained great value from selecting him late in the second round. As a freshman for Boston University, Hutson had a historically good year, finishing with 48 points, beating Adam Fox’s total of 40 (along with top prospect Luke Hughes) to be the highest scoring U20 defender in the NCAA this millennium. Sure, he’s still undersized. Sure, there are aspects of his game that worry us slightly. But you have to respect just how impressive this past year was.

Joshus Roy (178 to 44) - Montreal Canadiens

It has been a steady rise for Roy since being drafted in the fifth round by Montreal two years ago. The former highly touted minor hockey player had a disastrous draft year that caused his fall, but his development has been terrific since. He has improved his skating and his off-puck play, allowing him to dominate the QMJHL. However, it was electrifying performance for Canada at this year’s WJC’s that really sold us of his potential.

William Wallinder (225 to 52) - Detroit Red Wings

A strong skating, two-way defender with size, Wallinder has progressed well in Sweden with Rögle, the same team that helped nurture Moritz Seider into the star that he is today. Now he appears ready to take that next step and will play in North America next year, perhaps even with the Red Wings if his training camp performance is strong enough.

Lian Bichsel (163 to 53) - Dallas Stars

While Bichsel’s offensive production failed to improve significantly in the SHL this year, his defensive game and confidence to impose himself physically definitely has. While his true NHL upside remains a slight mystery, he is starting to look the part of a future shutdown defender…at the very least.

Filip Bystedt (239 to 69) - San Jose Sharks

Bystedt was a bit of a surprise first round pick last year, but it appears that San Jose knew exactly what they were doing. Bystedt was a breakout star this year, emerging as one of the highest scoring U20 players in the SHL, in addition to performing extremely well at the WJC’s for Sweden. The big man skates extremely well and his coordination and skill are really catching up, giving him a unique upside.

Nikolai Kovalenko (285 to 76) - Colorado Avalanche

The son of former NHL’er Andrei Kovalenko, Nikolai emerged as an offensive star in the KHL this year as a 23-year-old and now looks like a potential impact player for the Avalanche. His KHL contract expires at the end of next year, so he may be close to crossing the pond. Kovalenko would be a breath of fresh air for an Avalanche team that is facing a bit of a cap crunch.

Connor Zary (266 to 79) - Calgary Flames

Last year, Zary was one of our biggest fallers after a poor showing in the AHL as a rookie, where the increased pace appeared to overwhelm him. Kudos to Zary for making the necessary adjustments because he has been much better as a sophomore and is knocking on the door of a permanent spot on the Flames. Thanks to increased pace and strength, Zary looks like a near lock to be a middle six option for years to come.

Nikita Alexandrov (222 to 81) - St. Louis Blues

The Blues have been very patient with Alexandrov, a former QMJHL standout and WJC star. This year, that patience has paid off as his improved play in the AHL has led to his first NHL action, where he did not look out of place. Alexandrov should claim a permanent spot in the NHL next year and he looks like the versatile, middle six forward we expected he could become a few years ago.

Zach Ostapchuk (218 to 91) - Ottawa Senators

The big forward and former high second round pick’s development took an extremely positive step forward this year. He set new career highs in the WHL (splitting time between Vancouver and Winnipeg) and he played a crucial checking line role for Canada at the WJC’s, capturing consecutive gold medals. Ostapchuk has everything NHL management wants from their third liners these days. He’s big. He’s physical. He has positional versatility. He’s strong in all three zones. He skates well. His skill and finishing ability are developing well. Look for him to make a run at the Senators’ roster as early as next year.

William Dufour (192 to 95) - New York Islanders

Was Dufour’s breakout last year, when he was named the QMJHL’s most valuable player, a result of a prospect truly turning a corner, or was it the result of a large, power forward, dominating younger players physically? That was the million-dollar question coming into this year. Well, the early results in the AHL suggest the former. Dufour has been one of Bridgeport’s best players this year and he has even earned a cup of coffee with New York because of it.

Reid Schaefer (267 to 98) - Nashville Predators

Now a member of the Predators after the Mattias Ekholm trade, Schaefer has progressed well with Seattle this year in the WHL, and he looks ready to start his pro journey in the AHL next season. His true offensive upside still remains a bit of a question mark, but he was the key component of that Edmonton/Nashville blockbuster for a reason. Nashville values his power forward potential.

Carter Mazur (Unranked to 99) - Detroit Red Wings

After winning a National Championship with Denver last year as a freshman, Mazur returned for his sophomore year this year and improved his goal scoring totals, pacing the Pioneers with 22 goals. Mazur is a prototypical third line winger who should be able to become an excellent role player for the Wings over the next decade, however his offensive skills are better than many give him credit for. Mazur recently signed his ELC, has turned pro, and should move quickly up the ladder in Detroit’s system.

Fallers

SAINT PAUL, MN - APRIL 29: Colorado Avalanche Left Wing Ben Meyers (59) lines up for a faceoff during the NHL game between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild on April 29th, 2022, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire)

Prokhor Poltapov (75 to 175) - Buffalo Sabres

Poltapov finally emerged as a KHL regular this season, even scoring five goals, which is not terrible for a U20 player. However, the power winger’s offensive potential is starting to look lower than many believed it would be. Playing in a deep Buffalo system, he may soon become an afterthought in Russia.

Grigori Denisenko (105 to 158) - Florida Panthers

Playing in his third North American season, Denisenko has still not become an NHL regular with Florida. In fact, his performance playing in the AHL continues to disappoint too. Denisenko is nearing waivers eligibility and that will put Florida in a difficult position, especially given his lackluster play. Will we find him in a different NHL uniform soon, ala Vitali Kravtsov?

Cayden Primeau (126 to Unranked) - Montreal Canadiens

Primeau has proved to be quite the enigma as a pro, something that has frustrated both Canadiens’ fans and management. The former Mike Richter winner has shown flashes of being one of the top goaltending prospects on the planet, however consistency has remained a major issue, even in his fourth pro year. He may still become a quality NHL goaltender, but other more promising prospects at the position have unquestionably passed him by.

Justin Sourdif (138 to Unranked) - Florida Panthers

A standout in the WHL last year, Sourdif has struggled to be a consistent offensive point producer in his first pro season. It’s way, way too early to give up on him as an NHL prospect and he is still valued within the Florida organization, but other prospects have leap frogged him at this point.

Ben Meyers (146 to Unranked) - Colorado Avalanche

The former Hobey Baker candidate and World Championship standout was a high profile signing by the Avs out of the University of Minnesota. Many expected him to make the immediate jump to the NHL this year, including us. However, Meyers has struggled in the NHL this year and as a 24-year-old, this may point to a limited ceiling, if/when he does crack the Colorado roster full time.

MCKEEN’S 2022-23 NHL YEARBOOK – FLORIDA PANTHERS – Top 20 Prospects

Contributors – Brock Otten, Chapin Landvogt, Ethan Hetu, Viktor Fomich — Sun, 18 Sep 2022 18:14:17 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 27: Florida Panthers left wing Grigori Denisenko (14) and center Aleksander Barkov (16) talk during the NHL game between the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers, held on April 27, 2021, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Murphy/Icon Sportswire)

1 - Mackie Samoskevich RW

As a member of the Chicago Steel in his draft season and as a Michigan Wolverine, it was easy for Samoskevich to get lost among a sea of other highly-drafted, highly-talented NHL prospects. Samoskevich's list of teammates read off as a top prospect list of their own, and Samoskevich's game has definitely benefited from playing alongside such talented players. But that being said, Samoskevich's profile still ultimately stands on its own two feet. Samoskevich is an offensive talent, a quality playmaker and someone who is always looking to drive play and put his teammates in positions to score. Samoskevich wasn't a centerpiece offensive player as a freshman at Michigan, and the night-to-night quality of his contributions fluctuated more than he likely would have liked. But when Samoskevich was at his best, he was driving play and taking over shifts. Like many offense-first prospects around his age, Samoskevich doesn't use the inside of the ice as well as he should. His offensive tendencies are in need of some refinement, and he'll need to get better at learning to accept creating some less-than-ideal offensive chances rather than holding on to the puck too long in order to find the perfect look. If he can introduce some habits in his game that will serve him well at the pro level, his path to the NHL will become much smoother. There's a talent package that should allow Samoskevich to become a capable contributor to an NHL scoring line, and even perhaps a play-driving one, but there's a good deal of development that needs to happen before Samoskevich can get there. – EH

2 - Grigori Denisenko LW

Selected 15^th overall in the 2018 draft, Denisenko’s progress has been much slower than many, ourselves included, who have expected future NHL stardom, could foresee. He has completed his second full, albeit truncated, season of play in North America. He made the jump from Russia after a full KHL season with modest production which was boosted by a strong WJC. His move the North America coincided with Covid and Denisenko found himself in no-man’s land until the NHL and then AHL started up in 20-21. That first season showed promise, but last season cast a bit of a shadow on his prospect status. Only suiting up once for a deep and high-octane Panthers team, Denisenko was left to grow in the AHL, where things were progressing along well enough until a mid-January blocked shot resulted in a broken kneecap, ending his season. Presumably fit to begin the upcoming campaign, Denisenko likely needs further AHL time to determine his ability to help the NHL squad. On the other hand, with multiple regulars having departed the club while Anthony Duclair appears to be out for perhaps the entire season, there seems to be a lower line job for the taking, should Denisenko be ready to take the next step this fall. – CL

3 - Justin Sourdif RW

It was a good final year for Sourdif in the WHL. A midseason trade saw him join the Edmonton Oil Kings where he played a key role in their WHL Championship victory. Unfortunately, a training injury kept Sourdif from suiting up for Canada again at the re-started WJC’s in August, however, he remains a key prospect for the Panthers moving forward. Sourdif has a very well-rounded game. He is extremely versatile. He can impact the game because of his speed, which he uses to be active in puck pursuit in all three zones. He can impact the game with his physicality and tenaciousness. He is skilled and can make plays at high speed. Sourdif loves to take on defenders one on one and will look to work his way into the middle of the ice. An intelligent playmaker, his confidence in his shot also improved this year, especially once he joined Edmonton and became more of a support player on a stronger team. His pro journey will begin this season with Charlotte and Sourdif should be an immediate impact player for the Checkers. Depending on how he deals with the size and strength of pro defenders, he could move quickly through Florida’s system. Sourdif projects as a middle six forward who can play a variety of different roles, likely starting out in a bottom six role before moving up. - BO

4 - Evan Nause D

Nause was an instrumental piece in Quebec’s organization last season. He plays a very effective game in all three zones of the ice and performs extremely well under pressure. Nause might not be the most skilled or flashiest player, but he’s very reliable, makes sound decisions at all times and makes everything seem effortless. The Panthers prospect will be playing once again this season with a scary Quebec Remparts team where they’ll look to make up for last season’s disappointing run by going all in with new acquisitions such as Justin Robidas to their already stacked offensive group. The focus this year for Nause will be to take yet another step forward as an offensive defender. He moves well and Florida will be looking for him to use his skating ability to be more aggressive with the puck to help create offensive opportunities for the Remparts. The former second round selection does look like a potential #4-6 defender for Florida in the future and someone who could be a fairly versatile depth defender. However, if the aforementioned offensive game continues to progress, there is a chance that his projection changes to be a more integral building block. - EB

5 - Michael Benning D

There has been a lot of conversation about the changing face of the “modern” NHL defenseman, and as speed and skill continue to be prioritized in blueliners, the idea of the prototypical defenseman being six-foot-four and ready to smash opposing forwards into the boards have begun to die out. There have been many faces of this new wave of modern NHL defensemen, and Michael Benning could be another name in the ever-expanding list of talented undersized defensemen who have impactful NHL careers. Benning, a longtime teammate of Edmonton Oilers prospect Carter Savoie, had always been a play-controlling, productive offensive defenseman. But when Benning got to the University of Denver, a team with championship aspirations, his old habits weren’t going to get him to where he needed to go. He needed to polish his game and add some more safety to a profile that was all about aggression and chance creation as a junior player. Benning’s sophomore season was a massive step up from his freshman offering, and he helped lead an extremely talented Pioneers team to an NCAA national championship. Benning’s offensive game is well-developed, and he has all the elements to his game that give him NHL upside as an offensive defenseman. He can skate and contribute in transition, he can see the offensive zone quite well and pairs poise and playmaking flair to be a strong offensive zone facilitator. Benning’s game in his own zone isn’t nearly as developed as his offensive game, and that could pose issues for his pro projection. But even if he doesn’t improve in his own zone, he should still have NHL upside as a puck-moving offensive defenseman who will work best when paired with a defense-first partner. - EH

6 - Aleksi Heponiemi C

A 2017 2^nd rounder, Heponiemi is a little engine that could. His 5’10” height has always been suboptimal, but his 155-pound body has only exacerbated the challenge of his sticking in the NHL. Nonetheless, he has continued to put up gaudy numbers. Drafted after putting up over one point per game in the WHL, he proceeded to top two PPG in his D+1 year, before returning to his native Finland as a 19-year-old, where he sported 46 points in 50 regular season outings. The past two seasons have seen Heponiemi find his level, hitting a wall in his production his first time out in the AHL, producing nicely with MoDo of the HockeyAllsvenskan in 20-21 before getting a 9-game debut with the Panthers (two points). Last season with the Charlotte Checkers, Heponiemi established himself as one of the most adept power play actors in the entire AHL. Few players could enter the opposition zone as fluently as the Finn and his puck prowess in all situations was clearly at another level. He is hitting a crossroads heading into this season, the last of his contract, as Florida is built to win and there is no indication that he is even seen as one of the first call-ups, save for a need for a power play specialist. Then again, few clubs have been able to turn players into unexpected offensive weapons in recent years better than the Panthers. – CL

7 - Vladislav Lukashevich D

The season had been pretty uneventful for Vladislav Lukashevich and not in a good way, as after being sidelined for eight months due to an undisclosed injury, he returned to game action midseason and looked rather rusty. Even though he still was able to get in a decent amount of MHL game action, he didn’t look like much of a difference maker there and it might be fair to consider his entire season a wash. 12 months after being drafted, Lukashevich is more or less in the same developmental place he was when the Panthers called his name: he has a great frame that still needs to add a good deal of muscle, solid skating and skill, but the whole is not yet equal to the sum of his parts. All signs are pointing towards another season spent mostly in the MHL junior league this season, which might be a bit disappointing, but is not unexpected after the season he had. Lukashevich will be expected to be one of the leaders of his team, which would be good for his development. It should also be added that it is the final year of his current contract and seeing how the Lokomotiv organization is strong on the blueline, it will be difficult to get opportunities there, possibly making the young player more likely to look favorably at a move to North America. - VF

8 - Max Gildon D

After a strong rookie season in the AHL in 2021, that saw Gildon named a member of the All-Rookie Team, last year was a big step backward for the former Hobey Baker candidate, thanks to a lower body injury that ended his season in December. This year, he will try to recover the momentum he had built previously as he looks to become a top defender for Charlotte. Gildon has a very intriguing athletic make-up. He skates pretty well for his size (6’3), protects the crease and defends with physicality, and shows well as a puck mover with good hands and vision. He may not be a natural powerplay quarterback or a highly creative player, but there is a good chance that he could develop into an all situations top four defender. Without question, Florida has openings in their third pairing and will be looking to promote a prospect or two to that role. Given his recovery from injury, Gildon would appear to be a long shot at one of those spots. However, if he rebounds well and performs like he did in his rookie AHL season, he could easily push his way to the top of a weaker farm system. - BO

9 - Nathan Staios D

An undersized defender, Staois is the son of former NHL defender Steve Staois. Playing for his father in Hamilton, the younger Staois was a standout in his final (overage) year in the OHL, helping the Bulldogs win an OHL Championship. His strong performance led to him being named the recipient of the Max Kaminsky trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman. Then following the conclusion of the Memorial Cup, the Panthers inked him to a contract as a free agent. Staois is a tremendous skater, something he relies on to be an impactful offensive defender. He gains the offensive zone with ease on most occasions at the junior level and is terrific at walking the line inside the offensive zone to keep plays alive. While undersized, he also competes hard in the defensive zone to make up for his lack of stature. However, there are some decision-making issues which could become amplified at the pro level. A high risk/high reward type of player, he will need to learn to pick his spots to activate better. Additionally, his defensive zone awareness and ability to win 50/50 battles in high traffic areas will need to improve for him to be effective at even strength in the AHL. Staois has terrific potential to be an impactful defender, but like any free agent signing, he may take time to reach it as a longer shot. - BO

10 - John Ludvig D

It was a tough year for Panthers’ defensive prospects at the AHL level last year. Max Gildon missed most of the year with a lower body injury and John Ludvig missed almost the entire season following hip surgery. He battled back to play in the last few games of Charlotte’s year, which was encouraging, but you can throw his performance in those games out the window. This coming season will be a fresh start for Ludvig to try to re-find the confidence he had as one of the WHL’s best defenders previously. The question is, how will this serious hip injury affect his skating ability and ability to improve it further? Entering the pro ranks, Ludvig’s skating was the area of his game that still needed the most work and now that might be difficult for him. However, the rest of his game is extremely solid. He has a booming point shot, putting his entire 215lbs frame behind it. He is poised with the puck and shows good vision in all three zones. He is an aggressive defender who clears the crease and makes opposing forwards work to gain touches, especially along the wall. This well-rounded game gives him an NHL projection, even if his skating never improves beyond average. Like organization-mate Gildon, Ludvig will be looking to rebound as one of Charlotte’s top defenders this season, helping to re-emerge as a top prospect in the Florida system. – BO

11 - Mack Guzda

A free agent signing by the Panthers this past season out of the OHL, Guzda showed massive growth in a year split between Owen Sound and Barrie. The big netminder has improved his quickness and agility and will get a chance to play in the AHL this year.

12 - Serron Noel

A power winger, Noel struggled to adapt to the pace of the pro game in his first full AHL season. There is some concern that his development has plateaued. However, this year should give Florida a better indication of his potential.

13 - Logan Hutsko

After four good years at Boston College, Hutsko’s first pro season was largely a success for Charlotte. An undersized scoring forward, Hutsko will have to put up numbers to be a valuable pro.

14 - Zach Uens

What Florida has in Uens remains to be seen. The athletic defender shows good potential at both ends, however finding a true role at the pro level may be difficult. More should be known after he turned pro this season.

15 - Matt Kiersted

While an older prospect, Kiersted was once a prize free agent signing out of UND. The competitive two-way defender may have limited upside, but he could be a full time NHL player in a depth role this coming season.

16 - Liam Arnsby

Drafted late in 2022, Arnsby is an aggressive, defensively oriented center. He hits like a truck and can play a variety of roles. Upgrading his skating will be key as he returns to the OHL with North Bay.

17 - Josh Davies

Like Arnsby, Davies was a late round pick in 2022 who projects as a bottom six NHL player because of his tenacity and high energy game. He will look to improve his offensive production with Swift Current this season (WHL).

18 - Marek Alscher

A suffocating defensive defender, Alscher was a solid presence for the Portland Winterhawks in his first WHL season. Is there room for him to grow as a puck carrier or is his ceiling limited?

19 - Henry Bowlby

There is not much in the way of offensive potential for the defensive minded forward out of Harvard, however he could one day play a depth role for the Panthers as a penalty killing fourth liner.

20 - Kasper Puutio

Admittedly, this list was solidified prior to the completion of the WJC’s where Puutio emerged out of nowhere to be named the tournament’s top defender. A former 5th rounder, he will look to carry over that success to the Liiga level this coming season.

2021-22 TOP 15 PROSPECTS: FLORIDA PANTHERS – RANK: #20 – TIER IV

McKeen's Hockey — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:07:50 +0000

Florida Panthers

#20 Florida - The Panthers' system has the best goalie prospect around, and three more top 100 guys, but zero depth, a residual effect of the Tallon years.

TAMPA, FL - MAY 26: Florida Panthers goaltender Spencer Knight (30) during Game 6 of the First Round of the NHL Play-offs between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning on May 26, 2021 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)

Spencer Knight

Here is our runaway top goaltending prospect in the sport. This would have been the case even if the Panthers hadn’t shown us in the post-season that they were willing to play Knight in the net at the expense of Sergei Bobrovsky, their incumbent starter, signed to a very long-term contract, for a very big cap hit. In watching Knight over the past four seasons, it is safe to state here that he has no notable weak spots to his game. He is the embodiment of everything an NHL team hopes to see in any goalie prospect, the yardstick against which all others are measured. He fills up the net; He is very athletic; He is exceptionally square to the shooter; He steps up in the biggest moments; He avoids wasted movements; He anticipates the play masterfully; He can play the puck himself better than most NHL goalies; He avoids unforced second chances by the opposition.

We, at McKeen’s, liked him enough in his draft year to feel comfortable projecting him as a rare first round goaltender (although this is growing less rare every year, it seems), and he has only improved over two seasons with Boston College, topping a .930 save percentage each year. His brief, late-season and post-season cameos with Florida only maintained these impressions. Knight will be pushing Bobrovsky for playing time all season, and sooner than later, force Florida into a buyout. He is a star in the making. - RW

Anton Lundell

We don’t yet know whether Lundell will spend the season in the NHL, but we know that there is nothing left for him to figure out in Finland, where he finished his age 19 season as the fifth best scorer on a point-per-game basis of anyone who played at least 20 games. He also captained Team Finland to a Bronze Medal at the WJC, while tying for third overall in tournament scoring among all nations. Finally, he was Finland’s leading scorer at the World Championships. So, yeah, it’s pretty amazing that he was available at 12^th overall in last year’s draft, with all due respect to the 11 taken ahead of him.

Skating will never be his strong suit and is the primary reason why he wasn’t drafted higher, but he knows how to get himself into open space and then capitalize on any opportunities that develop once he gets there. Equal parts creator and finisher, he can seem faster with the puck on his stick than he is when empty-handed. He can seem to lack physicality, but that is a byproduct of his patience, as he prefers to wait for something to develop then to force an error with aggression. Further, he will play in the greasy areas, but lets the play come to him, rather than trying to hunt it down. Even if he doesn’t break into the NHL full time this year, Lundell has first line center upside, and it will be here sooner than later. - RW

Grigori Denisenko

Last summer Denisenko left the KHL with some believing it was too early for him to make the jump. On one hand he had a very good World Juniors that year, while on the other he really had not established himself as a full-time KHL player yet. Unable to secure a KHL loan to start the previous season, Denisenko had to wait for the NHL/AHL to start to play. Thankfully, it does not appear it had any long-term effect, as when the AHL season started he looked totally solid there, even earning a call-up to the NHL, making it to the total of seven NHL games in his debut North American season.

Next season will be quite critical for him in terms of his development as an NHL player. He has the skating ability, a great right-handed shot and the overall attacking skillset. He needs to put everything together consistently and live up to his potential as a top line NHL player. Not easy to predict if he will succeed, but the star potential is certainly there, which should make the Panthers organization and fans really hopeful that he does. - VF

Mackie Samoskevich

Michigan commit Mackie Samoskevich had a season of two halves. He had 10 points within four games, and after a three-point night on January 2nd, giving him 21 points in 14 games, things changed. He was held off the scoresheet for two games, and then was held out of the lineup due to injury for six weeks. When he returned, he still had his moments, but the frequency of his magic was gone, finishing the regular season with 16 more points in 20 games. While some of these inconsistencies can be chalked up to injury recovery, it does make Samoskevich a bit of a gamble as a first round selection.

His best two characteristics are his skating ability and playmaking sense. When healthy, he flies. His ability to get from his own to the offensive end is high-end, regularly forcing the defenses into mistakes. He can maintain that speed over longer distances, but also has the short-area quickness to win races for loose pucks within a zone, and the edges to turn those wins into news playmaking lanes. These are not player comparisons, per se, but you can see some elements of what has made players like Mathew Barzal and Jonathan Huberdeau so successful as NHLers when watching Samoskevich. He will attend the University of Michigan next season and will look to carve out a significant role on that incredibly deep team. Hopefully he is able to improve his consistency, add some muscle, and improve his play away from the puck in his time at Ann Arbor. - RW

Ty Smilanic

One of the biggest 2020 draft day fallers, Florida scooped Smilanic up in the 3^rd round, and the young forward is already making the Panthers feel good about the pick thanks to a very strong freshman campaign with Quinnipiac, tying for the team lead in goals. Perhaps if his draft year had not been inundated with multiple injuries, his potential would have been easier to spot. As is, he is a swift skater, has a well-rounded offensive game – even if he trended much more towards goals this year – and can be utilized in all situations, as his average of over 2.5 minutes of shorthanded ice time per game for the Bobcats indicates.

Currently utilized as a center, there is a school of thought that he would eventually have more value on the wing. There are also questions about how he will hold up when the going gets rougher, as he could seem to shy away from contact at times. Still filling out a lanky 6-1” frame, perhaps added bulk would give him additional assertiveness in the corners. Whatever the case, Florida has no reason to rush Smilanic in his development. He looks to have a middle six upside now, but we will be a lot smarter about his projection after a normal collegiate season next year, instead of playing the same three teams over and over again. Time is still needed, but he is facing the right direction. - RW

Max Gildon

One of the lesser-reported, funky side effects of COVID on the world of North American hockey was that three AHL franchises elected to keep their rinks shut throughout the season. One of those AHL teams was the Florida affiliate in Charlotte. As a result, the Panthers had to find contingency solutions to keep their not-ready-for-primetime prospects on the ice this year. The bulk of them played with Tampa’s affiliate in Syracuse, but a few required third or fourth options for ice time. Gildon was one of those whose solution required creativity, and he ended up spending the season with Edmonton’s farm club in Bakersfield.

Coming fresh out of the University of New Hampshire, his rookie pro season did not go according to plan but was nonetheless very successful. He was Bakersfield’s leading scorer among defenders, and by the season’s second half, was regularly playing upwards of 22 minutes per game, including a few games above 25 minutes of ice time. As an amateur, Gildon always demonstrated a raw, but tantalizing skill set, with an ideal frame, good mobility, solid puck skills, and a sort of intuition that would lead to excitement – at one end of the rink or the other. He still needs at least one more full AHL campaign before we begin to worry about finding him an NHL job, but his development has remained on the right trajectory since draft day. - RW

Serron Noel

It seems as though the last two years of Noel’s development have really plateaued after a promising start to his career as a prospect in the OHL. Under a point per game in his final season in the OHL, Noel was used sparingly on a deep Syracuse team in his first pro season last year in the AHL. The 6’5, 215lbs winger has an intriguing package of size and skill, but a lack of production (or at least a positive step forward) can often be alarming.

Noel skates well for a big player, especially linearly. Due to the power he generates North/South, Noel excels driving the net where he has the skill to finish off plays in tight. However, he still needs to add more dynamic layers to his stride to make him more effective moving through traffic, when he is not able to drive through defenders. Additionally, his play away from the puck needs to become more consistent, especially if he wants to carve out a career as a high end third line winger, which appears to be his likely high-end potential at this point. This coming season Noel will look to establish himself as a consistently productive AHL player who can stay in the lineup for the Crunch. Positive progression is a must this year after two relatively stagnant years. - BO

Evan Nause

An extremely well-rounded defender, Nause may not be flashy, but he is highly effective. After playing with Sioux Falls of the USHL two seasons ago (where he made the USHL All Rookie Team), Nause joined Quebec of the QMJHL this past year. Interestingly enough, he was drafted in the top ten twice in the QMJHL. First by Val-d’or in 2019 (sixth overall), then by Quebec in 2020 (fifth overall). This past year, there was a transition period at the beginning, but as the QMJHL season progressed, he seemed to look more comfortable with each passing month.

A strong skating defender, Nause uses his strong agility and four-way mobility to impact the game at both ends of the ice. He is comfortable and smooth moving backwards and laterally, allowing him to maintain a close gap when defending in transition. He is quick and fluid moving forward allowing him to escape forecheckers in order to create space for clean exits. Nause is also a highly intelligent defender. His exit passes always seem to hit the mark and it is rare to see him turn the puck over, even when he is trying to play with pace. One might wonder, then, why a 6’2 defender with such a well-rounded skill set would be drafted in the late second round. The answer is that Nause’s NHL potential may be limited to more of a secondary role (perhaps a #4-5) due to the fact that his puck skills are average, and his game is simplistic. If Nause’s offensive capabilities improve, he could look like a steal at the draft. - McKeen’s Draft Guide 2021

Cole Schwindt

This past year was supposed to be Cole Schwindt’s swan song in the OHL. He likely would have taken another step forward offensively, while leading the Mississauga Steelheads to a solid position in the standings. However, the OHL season was canceled due to the pandemic. Thankfully the Panthers found a place for Schwindt to play in the AHL with Syracuse, even if he played sparingly. Not exactly the banner year he would have likely had, but better than nothing.

Drafted as a potentially elite shutdown defensive forward, Schwindt’s confidence as an offensive player and playmaker has blossomed. He still has the qualities that you look for in a great shutdown forward (size, reach, awareness, skating ability), however Florida must have been really happy to see his play with the puck take such a positive step forward previously. In the AHL, Schwindt played the exact kind of role you would have expected, killing penalties, excelling in the defensive end, and engaging on the forecheck. However, offensively he struggled. This year, in his second AHL season, Schwindt should be an AHL regular, and the Panthers will likely get a better indication of whether he can develop into that elite third line forward, or whether he profiles as more of a depth piece. - BO

Justin Sourdif

After being selected in the third round by the Florida Panthers, Sourdif was returned to Vancouver (WHL) to resume his junior career as an 18-year-old, where he dominated in posting 34 points in just 22 games, showing another level of offensive upside that may not have been as apparent in his draft year. An athletic player with great skating abilities, Sourdif is able to blow by or bulldoze through opponents with equal ease thanks to his lower center of gravity. His release is powerful and can beat goalies from distance or from in front with a deft set of hands. His puck control is excellent, and he excels at going to the correct areas on the ice in order for the puck to find him – traits that should translate well to the pro level.

His awareness in all three zones is generally reminiscent of older players, which should endear him to coaches. He thinks the game well and can play center or wing and contribute on the powerplay or penalty kill. He struggles with consistency and needs to bulk up in order to withstand the rigours of the pro game. He will likely play one final season of junior as a 19-year-old in 2021-22, where he figures to be among the top scorers in the league. - AS

Aleksi Heponiemi

A former standout in the WHL, Heponiemi’s transition to pro hockey has not been seamless. The ultra-quick and creative playmaker has had some trouble adjusting to the strength requirements of the pro game. However, he remains a potential middle six forward for the Panthers and will get an opportunity to be a full time NHL player this season.

Matt Kiersted

One of the top prizes of the college free agent crop this past season, Kiersted has been a winner wherever he has played. After four solid seasons with UND, the strong skating, two-way defender has turned pro. He got into a few games with Florida last year and will look to crack the roster again this season in a third pairing role. However, some time at the AHL level may not be terrible for him either.

John Ludvig

A former standout for Portland of the WHL, the big, physical two-way blueliner had a very good first pro season with Syracuse last year. While the roster crunch (no pun intended) limited his game action, he proved that he could develop into a potential top four defender for the Panthers within the next few seasons, with a profile similar to the Maple Leafs’ Jake Muzzin.

Samuel Montembeault

The 2020/21 season was unquestionably a step backwards for the former third round selection, as he struggled in the AHL after getting a long look in the NHL the year prior. He will continue to serve as Florida’s top injury call-up and still has the chance to become Spencer Knight’s back-up in the future.

Michael Benning

A fourth-round pick in 2020, Benning may not be large (5’8, 180lbs) but he is an extremely talented offensive defender. He was an immediate impact player for the University of Denver as a freshman last season and will look to become one of the top offensive blueliners in college this season as a sophomore.