Florida Panthers Draft Preview

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First Round Position: 14

Best Picks of last 3 Years:

Jacob Markstrom (G)-2nd Round 2008
Michael Frolik (LW)-1st Round 2006
Keaton Ellerby (D)-1st Round 2007
Colby Robak (D)-2nd Round 2008
Adam Comrie (D)-3rd Round 2008

Coming Down the Pipe - Florida has bolstered it’s back end and goaltending situation in the past few years with Markstrom, Robak, Comrie and Ellerby. They also picked up a power forward type player when they dealt Todd Bertuzzi for Shawn Matthias a couple of years ago. But it should be interesting to see what direction a new G.M. and possible ownership takes the Cats in. Although depending on who gets hired, they might not have much time to put their stamp on the club and could be relying soley on the scouting staff.

Draft Trends - Jacques Martin worked from his own end out when building the Panthers in what he hoped was a powerhouse, the new regime can start looking up front for top end talent.

Millard: John Moore-If the Panthers lose Jay Bouwmeester to free agency, they’ll have Moore to replace his smooth skating ability. Moore might even be a better skater than Bouwmeester when he gets to the NHL.

Flaming: Zack Kassian – The Panthers have no shortage of blueline prospects and appear set in net but a power forward with some skill could find rapid success in the organization.