Panthers Top Prospects 2014: 10-6

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

5’8, 172lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Pittsburgh

The small Kyle Rau has had no problem racking up the points since joining the college levels. A consistent point per game player, named to the All-Rookie team in his freshman campaign, All-Academic team last year, and now top 5 in scoring in the Big Ten conference. While the offense Is there, that is not the only thing in terms of positives for Rau. He has great hockey sense, great defensive ability and a knack for the physical game.

Future: Kyle’s tireless work ethic will surely get him a shot in the NHL, considering he has worked to make himself a pretty complete player. He will probably turn pro next year, and for a guy his size he is not letting anything hold him back from being a top 6 forward in a few years.

9. Michael Bournival, LW, 21, [Shawinigan, Quebec] (PR: NEW)

5’11, 196lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Buffalo

 Jumping in to his first full year in the NHL, it was an unbelievable start for Bournival. With 11 points in 20 games, the well has run dry with only 1 point in the 27 games since. That doesn’t mean he has been useless, otherwise he’d be sitting on the bench in Hamilton right now. His two-way ability and energy that he brings to the bottom lines is what really makes Bournival, and what places him so high on this list.

Future: The Panthers brass already have him slotted for the 4^th line next year and should be a key piece there. While the offense has fizzled out, it doesn’t mean it is gone. Once he continues to get more comfortable at the NHL level and get more minutes, then the production should reappear (although probably not at the rate it was at the start of the year).  

8. Nick Shore, C, 21, [Denver, Colorado] (PR: 10)

6’1, 188lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Pittsburgh

The strong two-way forward is having a good learning year in his first year pro. After struggling in the first few months, Shore has come on since December; in 24 games he has 17 of his 21 points on the year. Though the offensive production is sure nice to have, it’s his play when he is not scoring that will get him NHL pay cheques.

Future: The centre from Denver was expected to be a few years away, but his play this season has given an improved confidence in the player. At this rate, he should earn a call-up as soon as the end of this year.

7. Taylor Beck, LW, 22, [St. Catherines, Ontario] (PR: 13)

6’2, 203lbs

Drafted by the Panthers 3rd round (79th Overall) in 2009

Beck has been a part of the Panthers organization for quite a while. Once drafted to be a physical 3^rd liner, Beck has developed quite an offensive touch and there are still hopes that he becomes a top 6 power forward. After dominating years in the OHL, he has found quite a bit of success in the AHL hovering a little bit under a point per game. After a great 16 game stint last year, he started the year in the AHL but has finally earned a call-up back to the NHL, and hopefully it will be the last he sees of the AHL.

Future: The depth on the Panthers might slow down Becks progress, but he should find a pro spot soon enough. His willingness to go to the net has been on full display for the Panthers farm team San Antonio, with 40 goals in 45 games and leading the AHL in points. The only thing that could hold Beck back at this point is injuries or his skating ability.

6. Quinton Howden, C, 21, [Winnipeg, Manitoba] (PR: 5)

6’2, 189lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Buffalo

In his first year pro, there were a lot of positives to see from Howden. His offensive game was on display, putting up 30 points in 57 games. His speed, size and defensive ability were really starting to shine through. But then he was rushed in to an injury depleted Florida roster, where he played 18 games with limited minutes, showing a bit of struggle. He failed to register a point, and was a -11, but that hasn`t deterred Howden. After a slow start to the year, Howden has come on recently with 7 points in his last 8 games and he seems to be finally coming back in to his comfort zone.

Future: The Panthers knew what they were getting when they traded for Quinton. He was a guy who can fill in well defensively, be a key guy on the 3^rd line and on the PK. The progression he has made continues to point in that direction and the Panthers are hopeful that he can become a very dependable player.