Panthers Top Prospects 2014: 25-21

25. Julian Melchiori, D, 22, [Richmond Hill, Ontario] (PR: 21)

6’1, 190lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Dallas

 The offensive game that was on display in his last year of junior has still failed to show up in his pro career. In his 2^nd year at the AHL level, Melchiori continues to show what might be considered a safe type of player which earned him 1 game in the NHL. He still needs to develop a physical game to be effective as a bottom pairing D.

Future: As stated, refining his game and developing a more physical game to go against better forwards. Melchiori is a low maintenance defenseman, so if that can be accomplished, he’ll be up sooner rather than later.

24. Keaton Thompson, D, 18, [Devil’s Lake, North Dakota] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 190lbs

Drafted in the 4th round (97th Overall) in 2013

There are some similarities between Thompson and Melchiori, in that both are not particularly amazing at either end of the ice, but a solid safe defenseman. As one of the youngest in last year’s draft (1 day away from the cut-off), Thompson has shown a great ability to read the play, and has already appeared in 10 games at North Dakota this year, putting up 4 points.

Future: The Panthers brass will be keeping a close eye on Thompson for a few years, seeing how he progresses at North Dakota.  At 18, he`s still quite a while away from taking a shot at the pros.

23. Aaron Ness, D, 23, [Roseau, Minnesota] (PR: 22)

5’10, 182lbs

Drafted in the 2^nd round by the Panthers in 2008

This is the last showing on the list for Ness, and it`s do or die time for the young Minnesota native.  Once considered an offensive dynamo in High School, that hasn’t translated to any level since then. After a strong start in Bridgeport, Ness got a lengthy 20 game call-up to the NHL, showing flashes of great ability but not enough to stay.

Future: Ness still has two years left on his contract in the MRFHL, so he still has time to prove he is more than just a good AHL defenseman.

22. Mike Hoffman, C, 24, [Kitchener, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 185lbs

Signed as a Free Agent

With his first year on the list and last year of eligibility, Hoffman has done nothing but impress. Once having your shot compared to Brett Hull`s will leave everyone with expectations. It was finally this season that Hoffman`s junior game was put on display, becoming one of the top scorers in the AHL which even earned him a short call-up to the NHL.

Future: Like Ness, Hoffman has two years more on his deal. This means he still has time to prove he can earn a spot on the Panthers roster. He does have the skill, and if he still fails at that, can be an excellent part of the San Antonio Rampage.

21. Cameron Gaunce, D, 23, [Markham, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 203lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Colorado

What better way to finish this group of 5, but with another defenseman. Cameron is a new addition to the list, being picked in the trade that send Mikko Koivu out of town. His move to the Stars organization has had little effect, as he has struggled in a small showing in the NHL, and has been solid once again in the AHL.

Future: Has yet to finally make that jump to the NHL level. Like others on the list, he is a safe defenseman with a physical side to his game. Problem is, he is the oldest of that bunch and is an RFA at the end of the year. He needs to do something to show he is progressing if he wants to get a qualifying offer.