Panthers Top Prospects 2013: 15-11

15.Tobias Rieder, RW, 20, [Landshut, Germany] (PR: NEW)

5’11, 179lbs

Drafted 5^th round (125^th overall) in 2012             

  Passed over in the 2011 draft, the Panthers did not miss their chance a 2^nd time to take the young German. Rieder, once a top 5 pick in the CHL import draft, could be considered a bit of a disappointment this year. After bursting out last year for 42 goals and 85 points, the numbers aren’t quite at that level this year.  Though with an impressive WJC this year and as he is still operating over a point per game, the Panthers have a lot of high hopes for Tobias.

“We never drafted Tobias for his offensive skill, there is no doubt he has some, but the heart and dedication he shows on the ice is a quality not everyone has. He has a gritty edge to him and we believe he has the potential to be a great 3^rd line winger.”

14.Kevin Poulin, G, 22, [Montreal, Quebec] (PR: 14)

6’2, 210lbs

 Drafted 4^th round in 2008, Re-Acquired from Buffalo

  After jumping in to the fire in his first pro year, Poulin was on fire dominating at both the AHL and NHL levels before going down with a season ending injury. Since then, he has been unable to find the magic of that year. Poulin has stagnated since then struggling to put up great results, but he has still earned a spot in the pros.

 “We expected more out of Poulin going in to his 3^rd pro year, but he really hasn’t been able to hit that level. Though you do see flashes of it when he goes on a tear for a week or two, but there has been a real lack of consistency. And because of that he is starting to get passed by other goalies on the list, and he needs to do his best to show them up.”

13.Taylor Beck, RW, 21, [St.-Catharines, Ontario] (PR: 12)

6’2, 205lbs

Drafted 3^rd round (79^th overall) in 2009

 In to his 2^nd year pro, Beck has been making the slight improvements you want to see, and it has shown. He already has beaten his previous high in points, and still 24 games played than last year. And the young power forward is still only 21 and time is on his side if he continues to show off his skill.

 “We continue to be very happy with the progress of Beck; he is heading right down the path we expected him to. He is still a few years away, but if he can put together everything, he can be a dangerous player in the MRFHL.

12.Kyle Rau, C, 20, [Hoffman Estates, Illinois] (PR: 21)

5’8, 172lbs

Acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh

 A quick riser through the list, Rau has once again continued to impress the Florida brass. Rau had to somehow top a very impressive rookie year that saw him play for team USA, and finish in the top 15 in WCHA scoring. This year he is in the top 10 in his sophomore season, racking up more points than more highly touted prospect and teammate Nick Bjugstad, and is only 1 of 2 sophomores or younger in the top 10 in scoring.

 “Kyle is heading down the exact path we had hoped. We never doubted any of his skill level, that is quite apparent and he is showing how offensively talented he is, but it’s his play in all corners of the ice that really impresses us. We know his size is a disadvantage and it will be harder at the next level. But we feel with his speed and skill that he will have little trouble when he does make the jump.”

11.Dalton Thrower, D, 19, [North Vancouver, British Columbia] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 197lbs

Drafted 2^nd round (45^th overall) in 2012

 It hasn’t been the smoothest year for the Panthers top pick in 2012. Thrower has been mired with suspensions and injuries all year, making him unable to live up to his great season just a year ago. After putting up 18 goals and 54 points in his draft year, Thrower has come back this year with only 6 goals and 27 points. Though like McColgan and Nicholls, with Saskatoon holding the Memorial Cup, it gives him a chance to shine on the big stage.

 “We really did expect more from Thrower, but he still has tons of time ahead of him. He still had the body of work and the skills that he continues to show out on the ice, and even though he is still 3 or 4 years away, we are still very happy to have him in our system.”