MIAMI, Fla – The Florida Panthers, despite the departure of Jay Bouwmeester, decided that offense would be the name of the game during last weekends NHL Entry draft, but it didn’t look at those things would go that way for Miami’s favorite hockey game. As the first round of the draft shook out, the Panthers found themselves not being able to pass up smooth skating Russian defenseman Dmitry Kulikov who played for Drummondville (QMJHL) with the 14th overall pick. Some teams backed off of the Russian as most teams have in recent seasons due to the NHL still not having a transfer agreement with Russian players. Still, having a quality defenseman fall into their lap, despite already having prospects Keaton Ellerby and Colby Robak in the system, was a blessing in disguise. Don’t be surprised if he stays one more season in the Q before making the leap into the Panthers roster. After the first round the Panthers turned to offense with their next six picks, 2 of them in the fifth round. Three of those picks were Americans, the other three were Canadians. The Panthers did not have a seventh round pick. During the regular season Florida was ranked 17th on offense, 10th in defense, 24th on face-offs and on the PP, and 9th on the PK. Hence the need for offense. Center Drew Shore is not a true goal scorer but he is a solid two way forward that should serve the Panthers well for years to come. He was taken 44th overall in the second round. Their next two picks were wingers on both sides of the ice. Josh Birkholz and Garrett Wilson. Birkholz is considered more of a scorer and will fill in nicely on right wing one day. Wilson is considered to be solid defensively and could be a solid third liner one day. Their next three picks were all centers. Corban Knight was a scorer in the AJHL and will attend North Dakota in the fall which always has a solid hockey program that is always a threat to make the Frozen Four tournament in college hockey. Last season he had 34 goals in 61 games. Wade Megan played high school hockey in Connecticut and tore things up with his scoring prowess. He will become a part of the NCAA National Champion Boston University Terriers come the fall. Speaking of championships, the Panthers took Scott Timmins with their last pick in the draft. He was a part of the Windsor Spitfires Memorial Cup team. He was also a part of the Kitchener Rangers OHL title team in 2008. He is another scorer who can play solid defense. Overall the Panthers did what teams should do come draft day, which is address their major team need throughout the draft. If they were looking for offense they should get it even if half of their picks pan out. A very good draft on the Panthers part. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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