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Florida Panthers: The Three Best And Worst Draft Picks In Franchise History

By Joey Bailey

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon addresses the crowd with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon addresses the crowd with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Florida Panthers have a very hit and miss history when it comes to who they select in the NHL draft. Since their inception, the Cats have had their fair share of steals and more so, busts.

The Worst

3. Denis Shvidki

Selected at 12th overall by the Florida Panthers in 1999, Shvidki a Russian winger impressed the team with his skill set and points he put up in the OHL. After putting up 35 goals in one season with the Barrie Colts and 41 the next, Denis would be given a shot in the NHL.

That wouldn’t work out so well, considering that over the next four seasons he’d only play in 76 NHL games. His career stats would end up being 25 points, 11 goals and 14 assist, all with the Panthers.

Shvidki would go on to play in Russia until 2014 and now you can find him at the Panthers IceDen coaching a bantam hockey team.

2. Kendall McArdle

This one was pretty bad. Back in 2005 the Panthers would select McArdle with the 20th overall pick. In his time playing in the  WHL he’d put up some consistent numbers racking up 203 points.

So for a guy who put up 92 goals in the WHL his scoring must’ve translated well to the NHL, wrong. In his time with the Panthers McArdle never seemed to be able to blossom into the offensive force he was meant to be.

In 42 games he’d only put up one goal and two assists as a member of the team.

1. Petr Taticek

This one is one for the ages, no fan should be surprised at all by this being the worst. Taticek was taken 9th overall in 2002, the Panthers must have seen something no one else did.

He’d play a whopping three games as a Panther until he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Richard Jackman. It gets better, Taticek would never get inserted into the Pens line up.

Leaving his career NHL totals at 3 games played, with no goals or assists. That’s highly disappointing for a 9th overall pick. Making it the worst draft selection in franchise history, even one of the worst in NHL history.

                               The Best

3. Vincent Trocheck

I think Trocheck represents what the Panthers have lacked when it comes to drafting. The Pittsburgh native would be selected 64th overall in the 2011 Draft.

Looking back prior to 2010 and the Cats had really hard time drafting solid talent, especially in the later rounds. The best thing is, he and many other current Panthers may be able to replace the next 2 names in the near future.

2. Jay Bouwmeester

Selected third overall in 2002, Bouwmeester played in seven seasons with the Panthers. A solid offensive defenseman and once he got a few seasons under his belt, he proved to be one of the best in the league.

He’d put up a total of 53 goals and 150 assists as a Florida Panther and was named to 3 all-star games.

Next: Florida Panthers: Colton Sceviour Is The Perfect Fit For the 4th Line

1. Stephen Weiss

The Panthers selected Weiss at fourth overall in 2001, a 40 goal scorer in the OHL he proved to be a fan favorite in South Florida. Playing in parts of eleven seasons with the Cats, he was one of the more consistent, scoring forwards in team history.

He’d dawn the Florida colors for 654 games and put up 145 goals and 249 assists before leaving through Free Agency.

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