Panthers are back on the prowl

MIAMI – The Florida Panthers get ready for another NHL Entry Draft, but this time around the Panthers find themselves in a different position than normal.   Last year the Panthers had the third overall selected but this time around, after winning the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference, the Panthers select 23^rd overall. After a major overhaul last summer, the Panthers are back on the prowl and look forward to improving upon what they did this past season.
Despite winning the division the Panthers were only 27^th in offense but were 12^th in defense. Oddly enough the special teams were the opposite effect with the power play finishing 7^th and the penalty killing unit ranking 25th.
The Panthers only had three players with 20 or more goals: Tomas Fleischmann, Stephan Weiss, and Kris Versteeg.   Fleischmann led the team in goals with 27 and defenseman Brian Campbell led the team with 49 assists.   Only six other players had 10 or more goals, Jason Garrison led all Panthers defenseman in goals with 16.
Four of the top eight scorers on the roster were defenseman. This will have to change if the panthers are going to build upon what they did this season.   Top prospect Jonathan Huberdeau might be ready to crack the Panthers lineup next season. Rocco Grimaldi and Nick Bjugstad is a couple of centers that could content for positions in a year or two. Right Winger John McFarland could also push for a roster spot in camp.
Despite playing well defensively, the defensive unit did not have great years in terms of the plus/minus category where only three of the Panthers ten defensemen who played for the team last season were a plus with Garrison leading the team with a +6.   Florida has a few quality prospects in Cody Robak, Alex Petrovic, and Rasmus Bengtsson so taking a defenseman in the first round won’t be as big a priority as in past years.
In goal, Jose Theodore led the team in starts with 53 and must sign something long term if he is to have a future in South Florida. Scott Clemmenson is a UFA but top prospect Jacob Markstrom ready to go if either doesn’t stay. The Panthers also have Sam Brittain who could also become a threat to be a starter down the road after he is finished at the University of Denver.
Look for the Panthers to go for offense in the first round of the draft. The best available forwards in PHN’s mock draft are Pontas Aberg, Thomas Wilson, Colton Sissions, Tanner Pearson, and Stefan Matteau.   Aberg and Pearson are left wingers which could give them an edge over the rest but realistically it won’t matter what position they draft as long as they are the best players available which is why you will most likely hear the following announcement come draft day.
“With the 23^rd overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft the Florida Panthers select, from Djurgarden     Sweden, Pontus Aberg.”
To learn more about Pontus Aberg click here .
Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at Jack.Lima@prohockeynews.com