Post by Florida Panthers on Nov 3, 2021 1:06:03 GMT -6
Kaprizov - Scheifele - Garland
Mantha - Coyle - Hayes
Olofsson - Jarnkrok - ____
Martin - _____ - Highmore
McDonagh - Bear
Klefbom - Carlo
Pettersson - Mikkola
Fleury
Knight
Panthers GM Jay Seo opted to shelve his immediate Cup aspirations to select a nucleus of elite young players that he believes will form the Panthers core in the next few seasons.
"We could have competed right away, but I wanted to build a team that could grow together," said Seo. "I don't think we're that far away from competing, but we have to be patient."
Seo began the draft by selecting the reigning Calder Trophy winner Kirill Kaprizov, then passed on more proven talent in the following rounds to draft young players like Spencer Knight, Alex Turcotte, Dan Vladar, and Kirill Marchenko instead. Although Seo's focus on youth resulted in a relatively weak offensive group, the Panthers GM hopes that future trades and Marc-Andre Fleury's stabilizing presence in net will compensate for his team's shortcomings.
In the midst of that focus on youth, Seo also prioritized his blueline by crafting a robust defensive group that includes the likes of Oscar Klefbom, Ryan McDonagh, Ethan Bear, and Brandon Carlo.
"This is only day one," Seo remarked. "There's always more work to do, and more moves to make. I'm confident that this team will get better and better."
