Panthers Top Prospects 2013: 30-26

30. Maxime Sauve, LW, 23, [Tours, France] (PR: 25)

6’2, 184lbs

Acquired in a trade with Boston

 One of the most disappointing years for any of the Panthers prospects has to belong to Sauve. The 23 year old was expected to start his push for an NHL spot. Though once again due to injuries, he was unable to make the push. Plus add in the fact that his numbers in the AHL continue to fall from his impressive rookie numbers, the minutes on the clock are starting to tick off for Max.

“We had really high hopes for Max this year. He has a lot of the tools to be a successful player that can play in the top 6, but that dream might be fading. Unfortunately the offensive game we saw in junior hasn’t translated, but he does have the size and grit to be a good 3^rd liner. So hopefully he focuses his progression in developing for the bottom 6, because if his injuries hold off, we still see a good future for him on the lower half of our roster.”

29.Taylor Aronson, D, 21, [Placentia, California] (PR: 30)

6’1, 189lbs

Acquired in a trade with Calgary

 Of the 5 prospects featured in last year’s list, only Taylor remains in the top 30 which could consider an accomplishment. Aronson once again has been unable to crack a full time spot in the AHL, spending another season with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Unlike last year the offensive production has not been apparent, and due to injuries, his playing time has been limited. Though he is still remains highly regarded in the Panthers books.

“Taylor is still a long term project of ours but we still see a lot of positives in his game. The offense hasn’t translated to his pro game so we hope that he can continue to progress into a solid safe defenseman that you can throw on your bottom pairing. He is still calm with the puck and can move the puck very well, and can play both sides of the puck. So hopefully he can continue to hone his skill.

28.Dane Fox, C, 19, [Thamesville, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 185lbs

Drafted 5th round (121st Overall) in 2012

 Shockingly passed up in the NHL draft Dane was set to return to junior and prove everyone wrong. Unfortunately he had to wait a while. Fox missed the first 2 months of the season, before finally hitting the ice with the Erie Otters. And like last year after he joined Erie, he hasn’t missed a beat. Fox continues to show he can be an offensive force in the OHL playing at a point per game rate, even with the worst team in the Western Conference. His play since returning from injury, might make some GM’s in the NHL rethink their choices.

“Fox was high on our draft lists, and really he has done nothing to prove us wrong. He is for sure a long term project for us, but he has the skillset and size to really play wherever on a lineup. He could easily project to be a top 6 or a bottom 6 depending on how he continues to develop.”

27.Shane McColgan, C, 20, [Manhattan Beach, California] (PR: 23)

5’9, 170lbs

Drafted 5^th Round (149^th overall) in 2011

Heading to Saskatoon in an overage year, McColgan was expected to be the offensive catalyst this season. He has been good, and more than likely beat his career high, but it hasn’t been quite the production most had hoped for. With 61 points in 59 games, he has been creative with the offense and has remained much more disciplined this year. With Saskatoon hosting the Memorial Cup he has a chance to shine on a bigger stage.

“We were hoping he would have a year similar to a guy like Brandon Kozun did in his overage year. Both are a similar skillset and size but unfortunately that hasn’t happened. We still have high hopes for Shane, and can’t wait to see him turn pro. He still has a lot of skill and a physical and gritty edge that you hope to see from a guy that isn’t as big as others out there.”

26.Scott Stajcer, G, 21, [Cambridge, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 195lbs

Acquired in a trade with Columbus

 The first goalie on this list is an interesting one. Losing his starting role in Owen Sound last year, Scott has made the jump to pro, starting in the ECHL. And in a short sampling there, he has proved to be very good, putting up impressive numbers with the Greenville Road Warriors. With goalies starting in the ECHL is not that bad and the Panthers see some potential in the big goalie.

“We have plenty of goalies throughout our system, from Quick to Wedgewood to Kuemper that really any goalies we do have lower down on the list have the huge benefit of that we don’t need to rush anyone.  Stajcer has a good ability about him and has size to his advantage, all he has to do is continue to refine his style and become more consistent like most goalies.”