Panthers Top Prospects 2013: 25-21

25.Logan Nelson, C, 19, [Rogers, Minnesota] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 181lbs

Drafted 4th Round (101st Overall) in 2012

The 2^nd 2012 pick to appear on the board, Nelson was a safer pick compared to the rest. A guy who has size on his side, Nelson is a low maintenance guy who really doesn’t excel on either side of the puck. In his 2^nd year in the WHL, Nelson has struggled with injuries and being a consistent threat.

 “Logan is definitely one of the most long term projects in the system we have. He has the frame for being a good 3^rd line centre and is already a pretty good faceoff guy. We feel that he could be close to 4 to 5 years away still as we hope over that time he can develop his defensive game, as being an offensive player is probably not in his future.”

24.Emil Molin, C, 20, [Gavle, Sweden] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 184lbs

Acquired in a trade with Columbus

 Emil Molin picked up in the offseason in the Toni Lydman trade; Molin has been very impressive in his first year with the Panthers organization. While his year in Sweden has been less than stellar, his impressive play at this World Juniors was impressive. In UFA, Molin was tied for 1^st in scoring for Sweden with 6 points in 6 games picking up a Silver medal.

“Another longer term project in our system, Molin is interesting in that he is quick, smart player who has an offensive instinct. If he continues to improve upon his game and continue to show what he showed us at the World Juniors, he could easily be a top 6 player in the MRFHL. We really hope he will come overseas next season to play in North America.”

23.Samuel Fejes, LW, 18, [Anchorage, Alaska] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 185lbs

Drafted 4th Round (96th Overall) in 2012

 Another 2012 draft pick, Fejes has had an interesting first taste of the college scene. After dominating at Shattuck St. Mary, Fejes jumped right to Colorado College. His 10 points in 31 games still keeps him in the top 20 for freshman scoring in the WCHA, but it’s still just the start of the long road for Hunter.

 “Samuel has a great skillset that we are really looking forward to. He has the size and the speed and the drive to the net to be a really great offensive player if it all comes together. As a freshman in college, he really isn’t getting the ice-time but it’s just the start for him. We fully expect him to spend at least another 2 or 3 years in College and by the end of it we expect him to be one of the biggest offensive threats in the league.”

22.Aaron Ness, D, 22, [Roseau, Minnesota] (PR: NEW)

5’10, 175lbs

Drafted in 2008, Re-Acquired from Vancouver

  The 2^nd pick ever by Dylan Wilson as GM of the Florida Panthers was Aaron Ness. Dealt a long while ago, Ness was brought back in this off-season and the Panthers brass was happy to do so. Ness’s size will always be a disadvantage, but his strength is in moving the puck and being a power play quarterback. While his numbers haven’t been that impressive in the AHL, the Panthers still believe he has the talent to be a good offensive D.

“We were very happy to bring back in Ness this offseason. He shows all the skills of being a great puck moving D, as he has the speed and the puck handling and the poise to succeed, just the points haven’t followed. In the right system he can be very effective, but he just needs to work on the defensive side to minimize his mistakes.”

21.Julian Melchiori, D, 21, [Richmond Hill, Ontario] (PR: 24)

6’3, 190lbs

Acquired in a trade with Dallas

 Turning pro has been an interesting transition for the young blue liner. Melchiori has suited up all season with the St.John’s IceCaps and has steadily been one of the better defenseman all season. Similar in his jump to junior, the offensive game hasn’t joined him but his physical play and solid defense remains the key to his play. So much it has earned him a call-up with the Winnipeg Jets.

“Julian’s progression is right where we thought it would be. He is not doing anything fancy and he probably will never be a top pairing or even 2^nd pairing defense, but his skillset is invaluable and if he continues to improve the way he does, he will be an immensely important part of this team when we make playoff runs.”