Florida Panthers: Jayce Hawryluk Looks to Play Full-Time in 2019-20

Following a relatively successful rookie season, Jayce Hawryluk will look to improve in 2020. How will the energetic forward perform for the Florida Panthers this upcoming NHL season?

The 23-year-old native of Canada began the 2019 pro-hockey season with the Springfield Thunderbirds (minor league affiliate of the Florida Panthers). Jayce demonstrated his offensive prowess at the AHL level, proving that he no longer required development in the minors.

Prior to receiving a call-up from the Cats, Hawryluk recorded a sensational statistical slash line of 8G, 24A for 32 total points in only 31 regular-season contests. The playmaking winger displayed consistent signs of brilliance with Springfield and truly earned a promotion with the Panthers.

While receiving limited playing time and minutes with Florida, Jayce Hawryluk still managed to make a tremendous lasting impression.

In 42 NHL regular-season games, Jayce registered a slash line of 7G, 5A for 12 total points. Hawryluk’s stats are adequate considering he played primarily on the fourth line, averaging roughly nine minutes of ice time per game alongside mediocre linemates.

Nevertheless, Jayce Hawryluk still provided the Panthers with consistent production on both ends of the ice. Regarding the physicality element, Jayce recorded a whopping 101 hits and 25 blocked shots as a mere rookie.

Regarding the 2020 NHL season, Head Coach Joel Quenneville will likely provide Jayce Hawryluk with more opportunities and minutes if Jayce impresses during training camp and preseason action.

Bob Boughner ultimately deprived Hawryluk of minutes because he generally favored veteran-type players. However, Quenneville will distribute more minutes to the young players who have shown their willingness to play with consistency and maximum effort on a nightly basis.

In essence, if Hawryluk remains on the roster throughout the course of the entire season, then Panthers fans should anticipate a much-improved version of the relentless Hawryluk.

Ultimately, a season in which Jayce produces anywhere between 20-30 points, as well as 200+ hits, seems highly likely.

Hawryluk’s work ethic and relentless motor are second to none and should result in increased levels of statistical production in the upcoming NHL campaign.

As well, considering Jayce was recently resigned to a one-year contract, the young forward will continue to work incredibly hard in order to prove himself and earn a longer-term contract extension in the foreseeable future with Florida.

Overall, Hawryluk undoubtedly deserves a permanent roster spot on the Florida Panthers, preferably as a bottom-six forward.

The energetic, hard-working Hawryluk will continue to serve his role as a pest-type player who can easily get under the skin of his opponents, like Brad Marchand, for example. His physical presence, passionate playing style, and scoring talents are essential components which round out his overall game.

Ultimately, Hawryluk possesses a remarkably bright future if his development continues to trend in a positive, uphill direction.

In regards to the 2020 NHL campaign, we can presumably expect a more determined Hawryluk. In essence, I personally believe that Jayce is fully capable of doubling his point total from the previous season and potentially developing into a consistent 30-40 point producer down the road for the Florida Panthers.

With more experience at the NHL level, Jayce Hawryluk will only continue to improve and become more acclimated to the fast-paced style in today’s modern-day NHL.

In short, Jayce’s game is built perfectly for the NHL level as a bottom-six forward, and he will undoubtedly thrive under the coaching of bench boss Joel Quenneville.