They are young, and have added some much needed leadership (with the loss
od Skrudland) by acquiring Esa Tikanen. The Panthers mind set for their
prospects is what I would literally call BIG!!! If you look at the top
5 or so Panthers prospects you will probably notice that not one
is under 6’4″. The Panthers are gonna get bigger and stronger,
which should allow them to bang with the big boys in the Eastern Conference.
With the 1st pick in this years entry draft, the Panthers added
more size to the system by acquiring 6’4″ bruiser Mike Brown.
Brown is noted for his fighting skills, but he can definitely put
the puck in the net. He is still a year or 2 away from sticking with
the Panthers though. The Panthers roster is pretty much almost full,
with a few exceptions. Dont get me wrong the Panthers definitely
have talent in the sytem, but they may be able to keep them in the minors
for 1 more year to get some more experience. There are only three or four legitimate candidates
of making the squad this year out of camp. There are a few other prospects who have great talent,
but will probably need another year of seasoning.
Surely these 3 prospects that are contending for a roster spot are no
slouches, but with the offseason
acquisitions of veterans such as Esa Tikanen, and Gagner, even if these youngsters
do make the squad, dont expect to see them get much ice time. Read more»