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Florida Panthers: A Couple Thunderbirds May Be Ready To Take The Next Step

By Joey Bailey

Apr 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) skates with the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Ian McCoshen (12) defends in the third period at Verizon Center. The Panthers won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov (92) skates with the puck as Florida Panthers defenseman Ian McCoshen (12) defends in the third period at Verizon Center. The Panthers won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the free agency market not the most appealing, the Florida Panthers could look at some organizational players to fill some holes. Much like Denis Malgin last season, we could see Jayce Hawryluk slide into a bottom six role while Ian McCoshen finds a spot on the defensive core in 2017.

It’s pretty much inevitable that the Cats will lose a defenseman in the upcoming expansion draft. Now it’s just a matter of who it will be and who will serve as their replacement.

Ian McCoshen and MacKenzie Weegar are both candidates from Springfield to make the jump. Both D-Men saw time in 3 NHL games towards the end of the 2016-17 season.

McCoshen would register one assist in his short stint with the Panthers, he’d also make a few rookie mistakes. In the end, Ian would still impress a lot of us fans, needing something to hold onto for the offseason.

He brings a great physical presence to the blue line with his tight checking style. McCoshen also uses his body to get to the dirty area’s, around the net and along the boards to clear pucks.

Maybe not considered an offensive defenseman, but he has a heavy slap shot. When given the chance, he’ll hop up in the rush as he’s a great skater especially in transition.

Weegar, another candidate had a great season in Springfield putting up 14 goals and 22 assists for the Thunderbirds. He’d make a trip his first AHL all star game as well.

In his stay with the Panthers he’d come up pointless after 3 games. However that wouldn’t impact much of my opinion because he still showed great poise at the blue line. A smooth skater and great passer he definitely fits the mold the Panthers are going for on defense.

As for an opening at forward, at least one third and one fourth line winger will be needed. Jayce Hawryluk could fit in nicely on one of those lines.

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Cut short by multiple injuries, Hawryluk didn’t have it easy at all in his first AHL season. He’d play in 47 games while registering 9 goals and 17 assists.

A gritty forward who can get under the opponents skin and pose a threat in the offensive end. He’s also speedy and great at pulling penalties, Jayce is versatile and can play down the middle or on the wing.

The Panthers could slot him with Colton Sceviour and Derek MacKenzie or he could serve as a successor to D-Mac. I’m not certain however, if he’s the line mate that would help get Nick Bjugstad back on track, so the third line is a little less probable.

Those are just a few of the guys who will be competing for roster spots at training camp this pre-season. All in all, the Florida Panthers have some cost efficient talent at their disposal that they should take advantage of in the 2017-18 season.

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