Panthers Top Prospects 2014: 15-11

15. Tommy Vannelli, D, 18, [Minnetonka, Minnesota] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 165lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 3rd round (64th Overall) in 2013

After passing up on going to Minnesota, Vannelli choose the major junior route and ended up on the Medicine Hat Tigers this season. He has not failed to impress, putting his strong skating and high offensive ability on display. His 35 points in 46 games has placed him in the top 20 in defenseman scoring.

Future: A longer term project for the Panthers. Expect him to stay one more year in Medicine Hat, with a potential spot on Team USA. He’s a guy that could definitely project in to a team’s top 4, while being a key guy on the PP.

14. Zack Phillips, C, 21, [Fredericton, New Brunswick] (PR: NEW)

6’0, 194lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Pittsburgh

Picked up earlier this year in a trade, Phillips hasn’t quite made the jump in his sophomore year in the AHL. This has been disappointing considering that his offensive game is the main thing that will get Zack to the NHL (though he will more than likely finish with better results than last year). He’s still 21, and will probably be getting an entry level deal this year, but it hasn’t been the expected track for Phillips.

Future:  Like it was stated, there is a good chance that Phillips will begin a 3 year deal with San Antonio next season. If his offensive game doesn’t materialize, then he will have to do some serious damage control to not only just improve other parts of his game, but make it a strength.

13. Daniel Catenacci, C, 20, [Richmond Hill, Ontario] (PR: 7)

5’10, 186lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 2nd round (50th Overall) in 2011 

Like Phillips, the offensive game hasn’t quite translated as well as hoped, considering he had an impressive 2 game stint last year in the AHL. With only 11 points so far in 41 games with Rochester, it’s been a rough transition. The small forward needs to use his speed more, but there is still plenty of potential still there, and it’s very early in his career.

Future: It’s really not a hard road for Catenacci, by the fact that he has the speed and skill, and not afraid to go in to the dirty areas. What is needed from him is to just get comfortable at the pro level and bigger players. Once that happens, it won’t be long before he is making an impact at the next level.

12. Dane Fox, C, 20, [Thamesville, Ontario] (PR: 28)

6’0, 185lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in 5th round (121st Overall) in 2012

 No one has risen through the list quite like Dane has. After a career high of 54 points, and 23 goals in a season, Dane’s next season was cut short due to injury, but you could tell that he was on the cusp of breaking out. He has done that in a big way with Erie this season, with 85 points and 52 goals in just 48 games. After concerns of personality issues, it seems to be behind him and since then he has been able to earn an NHL contract.

Future: He needs to work on the defensive aspects of his game still, but everything has been going upwards since being drafted by the Panthers. The offensive skills is what is going to get him to the show, so that needs to continue to show when he jumps to the pros next season.

11. Adam Pelech, D, 19, [Toronto, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 210lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Colorado

Another Erie Otter, Pelech has had a very good season, which included an appearance on Team Canada at the World Juniors. On home soil, Pelech has been an integral piece of the dominate Erie squad, putting up an impressive 39 points in 40 games, which places him 3^rd amongst D in the OHL this season.

Future: The offensive game that has developed since his rookie year has been very encouraging, which was a big reason why the Panthers sought him out in the Mikko Koivu trade. With offense on his side now, it’s just another tool in the toolbox to add to his physical and defensive game that he brings to the table. Pelech will probably turn pro next year, and the road won’t be long from there.