Panthers Top Prospects 2014: 20-16

20. Brock McGinn, LW, 19, [Fergus, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 180lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Pittsburgh

Heading back for his 4^th year in the OHL, the Panthers wanted one thing from Brock; to continue his upward projection. With 31 goals in 38 games, he has accomplished that and some. After surpassing all of his previous highs, with still plenty left in the season, it has done nothing but impress. The offensive spike this season gives hope that an offensive game can translate to the NHL. The thing that will for sure get McGinn close to the NHL is his high energy play that can be vital on a team’s bottom lines.

Future: With the way this season has played out, it seems unlikely that Brock will head back to Guelph as an over-ager, and start his pro career next season.

19. Matt Tennyson, D, 23, [Pleasanton, California] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 205lbs

Signed as a Free Agent

The California native entered his 2^nd full year pro with a handful of NHL games already under his belt. This year at Worcester, Tennyson has gone about keeping up his offensive style while improving his defensive game and trying to become more complete on the backend.

Future: Even though he is already 23, the Panthers have the ability to wait with the already stacked talent on the roster. His playmaking ability and shot will surely give him chances to make the pro roster; it’s whether his defensive ability is strong enough for him to stay.

17. Taylor Cammarata, C, 18, [Plymouth, Minnesota] (PR: NEW)

5’7, 154lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 4th round (117th Overall) in 2013

Everyone could see that the diminutive forward could score in the USHL, but it was a toss-up if he could pull it off against the much older players of College Hockey. In his freshman year at Minnesota, it’s apparent that he can. With 15 points in 22 games, he has placed himself 4^th in freshman scoring and will certainly be one to keep an eye on going forward.

Future: At 5’7, it’s expected that he will stay in College until he has nothing left to prove. As he moved through the lineup to get more playing time, the Panthers expect the numbers to keep moving up. If he keeps moving ahead, there is a good chance he turns pro after his junior season.

18. Carter Verhaeghe, C, 18, [Waterdown, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 180lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 3rd round (69th Overall) in 2013

One of the highest risers this season has been Verhaeghe. After an improved sophomore campaign, Carter has shattered all his previous highs. With 64 points in 45 games this year, he has placed himself near the top 10 in OHL scoring all year. The play has now put him in the conversation to potentially be in the talks for Team Canada next year.

Future: One of the younger players in the last draft, Verhaeghe will certainly be returning to Niagara next season. His offensive play was hyped going in to the year, and he has met expectations, so now he’ll have to come back next year and top that and work on the rest of his game. He is still a few years away from making an impact, but he is on the radar.

16. Scott Wedgewood, G, 21, [Brampton, Ontario] (PR: 9)

6’1, 195lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 4th round (95th Overall) in  2010

Scott has had a rough transition since leaving Plymouth. After spending most of the season in the ECHL last year, Wedgewood has been stuck with backup duties this year in Albany. The problem is, he has done nothing to show that he deserves any more than that. His sub 900 save percentage hasn’t helped him in that regard, or with this list.

Future: The Panthers are still high on Wedgewood, and have a lot of patience going forward, but he’s going to need to do something to keep him in the good books. Wedge will be earning a contract with the Panthers next year, so he’ll have 3 years to at least prove that he belongs in this organization.