Florida Panthers: Top Prospects 5-1

5 Jamie Benn, LW, 21, Victoria, British Columbia

6’2, 208lbs

Acquired in trade with Vancouver

 When the Panthers were dealing Travis Zajac to Vancouver, they held out until they could get Jamie Benn in the deal and it’s no secret why. Jamie Benn is a big, physical, talented and versatile winger that any team would cherish. He has been hampered by injuries this year but is still on pace for close to 50 points in his 2^nd year and showing that he is one of the better young players in the game.

“Benn was a huge grab for us, and he is just another big piece in the puzzle for us. He is a big player that can play all 3 positions up front and he has immense offensive skill and can be a top notch scorer. He has been very impressive for us this year in the MRFHL playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf and our plans are that he will be a top winger next year playing with one of our top centres.”

4. Brayden Schenn, C, 19, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

6’1, 190lbs

Acquired in trade with Calgary

Brayden Schenn has had a busy year this season. He played 8 games for the Kings this year putting up a couple of assists. Then he was sent on conditioning stint to Manchester where he put up 7 points in 7 games there. With no spot on the NHL roster and unable to send him to the AHL, he was sent back to Brandon in the WHL and played 2 games before going to the Canada WJC camp.  It was there he tied Dale McCourt for most points by a Canadian in the tournament with 18 points. After the end of the world juniors, he went back to the WHL and was traded to his hometown Saskatoon Blades at the deadline. And so far he is man amongst boys, putting up a ridiculous 40 points in 18 games; Schenn has absolutely dominated and shows that his talent level is much higher than junior at this point.

 “Brayden was a huge acquisition for us and is just another dynamic player to add to the list. He is a great playmaker and is a strong leader and solid two-way player. He has been very impressive on our minor team, playing on the wing and that’s where we expect him to be. With our depth at centre he probably be more utilized for our plans as a winger and its up in the air whether or not he will play on the pro team next year with us or spend another year in the AHL.”

3. Cam Fowler, D, 19, Windsor, Ontario

6’1, 196lbs

Drafted 1^st round (7^th overall) in 2010

When the Panther’s walked away from the draft with Cam Fowler at 7^th overall, you could tell they were extremely happy and excited to draft this player. Fowler for most of the year was the consensus #3 for the draft, but some assets of his game were questioned and he fell draft day. Looking to prove to the people that passed him would regret it. And as a 19 year old defenseman, he’s done as much as he can. On pace for close to 40 points, Fowler has not looked out of place in his rookie season. He has been calm and cool with the puck and looks like a veteran out on the ice. Though his +/- might be a little scary, the defenseman hasn’t looked out of place in the NHL and looks to be a huge steal for the Panthers.

“A lot of teams have asked us about Fowler, and there is just no way we will deal this guy. The amount of skill he possesses is just crazy and looks great for a guy as young as he is, and will only get better with age. He needs to get a little bit bigger and more physical but those are some of the weaknesses you expect from a guy his age and is something that is easily fixed. We are still in shock that we got him at 7^th and he will be a big part of our franchise next year and for the future.”

2. Alex Pietrangelo, D, 21, King City, Ontario

6’3, 206lbs

Drafted 1^st round (5^th overall) in 2008

 The first ever selection by GM Wilson, and probably the biggest stand out of the Panthers young D core. The skilled two-way defenseman has taken a longer road to the NHL then the others before him. In his first two years in the NHL, he was sent back to the OHL before he reached the 10 game mark. He took those times and dominated at the WJC and the OHL. Now in his first full year in the NHL, he looks to be one of the most exciting defensive prospects in the game. On pace for over 40 points on the blue line, the 21 year old has looked unbelievably talented and his future looks to hold some Norris Trophies in the future.

 “He’s been in our organization for 3 years now, and not once have we ever considered trading him.  The two-way ability he possesses is some of the best and just looks like a future #1 D of our team. We are immensely happy with his development and have already played a handful of games in the MRFHL. Next year though he will play a much bigger role and will be a key to our success next year and for the long term future.”

1. Matt Duchene, C, 20, Haliburton, Ontario

5’11, 200lbs

Drafted 1^st round (3^rd overall) in 2009

 A Calder finalist and an all-star and just at the age of 20, Matt Duchene is one of the best bright young stars in the game. In his rookie year with the Avalanche, he put up over 50 points, had an impressive playoff and had an astounding stint with Canada at the World Championships. His 2^nd year in the NHL has just been as good, on pace for over 60 points and close to 30 goals, this 20 year old continues to impress.

 “We were in the top 2 in 09’ draft but traded down, but an opportunity arose to get another top pick in the draft and with the chance to take Duchene, it was a chance that we never looked back on. Duchene has an impressive skill set; he’s quick, he’s skilled, he’s got great goal scoring ability and he is solid defensively. He’s got it all. And to have him and Getzlaf as our top 2 centre is just amazing, both are so skilled and very talented and make those around them better and it’s just a great strength for our organization. His MRFHL career has started out really well, standing at 3^rd in rookie scoring and to think that he can only get better is something that we can’t wait to see. “