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Top 10 Panthers Prospects

Posted on May 5, 2013 at 11:09 PM.

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Covering the Florida Panthers in GM Connected league ALHL2

Previously, we did a writeup for Panthers.com detailing the Panthers top 10 prospects heading into last year. Obviously a a pair of rookies made a huge impact on the Cats season, Jonathan Huberdeau and Jacob Markstrom.

Here's last year's list: (2013-14 team)

1) Jonathan Huberdeau, LW (Florida)
2) Jacob Markstrom, G (Florida)
3) Corey Graham, G (London, OHL)
4) Quinton Howden, LW (San Antonio)
5) Alex Petrovic, D (San Antonio)
6) Joonas Donskoi, RW (Finland)
7) Colby Robak, D (NHL/AHL)
8) Michail Repik, RW (San Antonio)
9) John McFarland, RW (San Antonio)
10) Josh McFadden, D (traded to NYI)
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Now onto this season. The trade deadline is nearing. The Cats acquired some prospecsts early this season, perhaps to provide some ammo for a big deal. This is a deep list so there are multiple guys who could be dealt. But for now they are still Panthers.

So here it is, the Panthers Top 10 Prospects:

1) Dean Saunders, LW

Saunders was the main piece we got in return from Buffalo in exchange for Tyler Ennis. He was the 5th overall pick of last year's draft. He's a big guy at 6'2'' 205 lbs. He is very skilled offensively and also responsible in the defensive zone. May not be the fastest guy in the world, but still a big time prospect

2) Jared Tinordi D

During the preseason, the Panthers made waves by dealing Tomas Fleishmann to Montreal in exchange for Tinordi. The former London Knight is a huge man at 6'7''. While many in the media were surprised by the fact that the Cats traded a veteran in his prime, no body doubts the potential of Tinordi. He is playing this season in AHL San Antonio and looks to make the roster next season.

3) Corey Graham, G

In GM Brian Bilotti's first real move, he selected Graham with the 8th pick in the 2013 draft out of the OHL's Barrie Colts. Graham is putting up another solid season in Barrie. All indications show he is developing as planned. For what it's worth, TSN's Bob MacKenzie did a "redraft" of the 2013 class and Graham came in 5th.

4) Quinton Howden, LW

Howden was a first round pick back in 2010. He's a big body at 6'3'', but could use a little bit of physicality in his game. He put together a solid season in San Antonio last year. He was called up during the playoffs and perhaps was an injury away from seeing NHL action. But he wouldn't debut until a few weeks into this season, after Mueller went down. He is seeing time on the 4th line and has been very productive. We don't imagine him going back down unless they make a trade to acquire another NHL body.

5) Alexander Petrovic, D

Petrovic was acquired by the Panthers in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft. He battled through some injuries at the AHL level last year, but still finished 3rd in points for San Antonio among defenseman. He projects as a solid two-way blue liner. He would likely be the first defenseman called up if there is an injury on the blueline. Thankfully the Cats have been healthy there so far this year.

6) Tiny Bachman, LW

Ah Tiny Bachman, the Panther's top choice in the draft last week. Picked in the 2nd round, Tiny actually isn't so tiny. He comes in at 6 feet tall and 185 lbs. The left winger seems to have plenty of upside. He is an American but has played in the OHL for the Brampton Battalion. Tiny has two years left of eligibility in junior, which he will likely take advantage of.

7) Colby Robak, D

Robak surprising got the call up from San Antonio last year when Filip Kuba went down with an injury. He played in 23 contests with Florida and looked pretty solid, playing alongside Erik Gudbranson. With a lack of veterans on the blueline, and a crowded group of young defenseman waiting to crack the roster, Robak is in a logjam of sorts on the blueline. He will likely play out the season in San Antonio unless he is dealt elsewhere.

8) Joonas Donskoi, RW

Donskoi comes in a spot less than last years rankings, but still remains a solid prospect. Part of the reason is due to him announcing he will stay another season in the Finnish Elite League, playing with Karpat. Last season with them he was able to score 28 goals and was one of their top scorers. As we said he still has good NHL potential, he is just going to take another year before he plays in North America.

9) Vincent Trocheck, C

Trocheck comes in as the Panthers top center prospect. A Pittsburgh native, he was selected in the 3rd round of 2011. This season he left the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL and turned pro. Currently he is playing for the ECHL Florida Everblades, and might be a callup to the AHL club eventually.

10) John McFarland, C

McFarland adds another quality center prospect to the Panthers organization. A former 2nd round pick, McFarland has had an up and down career since being taking as the number one choice in the OHL's Priority Draft. He played a few seasons with the Sudbury Wolves and like his counterpart Trocheck, will be playing in the minors for a few seasons.