Panthers Top Prospects 2013: 20-16

20.Joonas Korpisalo, G, 18, [Pori, Finland] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 168lbs

Drafted 3^rd round (61^st overall) in 2012

 If you want a definition of a long term prospect, look no further than Korpisalo. Still only 18 years old, the Finnish net minder has already begun to rise up the country’s charts. He put up a strong showing at the European U-20 tournament, where he put up stellar stats. And then he once again had a few solid starts at the WJC on a struggling Finland team. And he has been playing above his grade in the Finland 2 league and the Finish junior league.

“He is the complete definition of a long term project. He is a raw goaltender but really, who isn’t. He is still 18, and we fully expect him to play in next year’s world juniors and continue to improve. We fully expect him to spend the next 3 or 4 years in Finland, though if the opportunity arose, we would love him to come over to the WHL and play for Prince George, who took him 5^th overall in last year’s import draft.

19.Josh Nicholls, RW, 20, [Tsawwassen, British Columbia] (PR: 20)

6’2, 196lbs

Drafted 3^rd Round (72^nd overall) in 2011

 Heading back to his 5^th and final year with the Saskatoon Blades, Nicholls set out to have his name known after being unsigned by the team that drafted him. He has done nothing but impress. He has set a career high in goals already, hitting the 40 goal plateau for the first time. And he has become more fine-tuned on the defensive side of the puck, showing why he has recently earned a contract in the NHL.

“We are very happy with the way Nicholls has carried himself in his final junior season. He could have come in as usual and went off and never heard of again. He is still a long term project but his size and skill continue to impress and we see a bright future ahead of him. At least, he will be a great AHL player but we believe he can be a great 3^rd liner in the future.”

18.Gianluca Curcuruto, D, 19, [Richmond Hill, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 192lbs

Drafted 5^th Round (136^th overall) in 2012

 A high pick in the OHL, Curcuruto struggled to really hit the ground running. He massively struggled in his 2^nd year, having a minus 14 and his point total dropping, causing a lot of concern.  While it’s early to tell, he seems to have put those worries away. In his 3^rd year, he has left the Greyhounds and has moved onto Plymouth where he has flourished. He has played the same amount of games as he did last year but is now a plus 31, and has more than doubled his point total, to 43.

“This guy has probably impressed us the most and exceeded expectations. When we drafted him, we felt that maybe his offensive game wouldn’t translate and that he would be a guy that would use his hockey sense to be a safe defenseman for a bottom pairing. Now we believe he can be a very good two-way guy who can put up points. Sometimes you just need a change in environment, and it has really paid off for him. “

17.Kyle Beach, RW, 23, [Kelowna, British Columbia] (PR: NEW)

6’3, 210lbs

Acquired in a trade with Colorado

 Time could be running out for the former 11^th overall pick. He has been disappointing in the AHL, failing to improve on a good rookie year. Already in his 3^rd year in the AHL, he has yet to impress and even earn a game in the NHL. He continues to rack up the penalty minutes, but the same can’t be said for the points that were seen in his final years in the WHL.

“We acquired Kyle in hopes that he can become even a semblance of the player that everyone thought he could be. He has the physical edge to him but it’s just not enough if he can’t be more controlled and add in to the offense. We still have hope that he can be a pesty 3^rd liner, but really the clock is ticking for Beach.”

16.Martin Gernat, D, 19, [Kosice, Slovakia] (PR: NEW)

6’5, 191lbs

Drafted 5^th round (133^rd overall) in 2012

 It’s been a disappointing season for Gernat. Not his numbers or his play, but the fact that he has been injured for over half the season. Gernat has just suited up for only 22 games so far this year and really hasn’t missed a step from last year’s strides. With Edmonton sitting at the top of the East in the OHL, the benefit for Florida and Martin is that they could see a lengthy playoff run.

“He is 6 foot 5, but Martin is nothing but an offensive defenseman. He continues to improve his game and make huge strides in his game, which has been a challenge due to injuries. We hope that he can keep his offensive game improving but also use his size more to his advantage and bulk up so he can play both sides of the ice well.”