Florida Panthers Prospects Report: 10/26/15

The Florida Panthers have a number of high end prospects currently working on their game in various development leagues around the world. Here’s a breakdown of how some of the notable prospects have performed.

AHL – Portland Pirates

The Portland Pirates currently stand at 3-2-0, as they lost their first game of the season before going on a three game win streak, but had the streak broken in their fifth game of the year. Greg McKegg, Shane Harper, and Wayne Simpson are tied for the team lead with five points in five games, while younger prospects such as Kyle Rau and Rocco Grimaldi have produced as well. Ray has three goals and one assist in five games, while Grimaldi has three assists in four games. Defenseman Michael Matheson has one goal and one assists, as well as 10 shots, in his first five professional games.

In goal, Sam Brittain has looked solid, going 1-1 with a .902% save percentage. The 23-year-old split time with Mike McKenna, who went 2-1 with a .872% SV%.

The Florida Panthers’ official prospect report focused on the performances of McKegg and Matheson, though 29-year-old Rob Schremp also has four points in his first five games. From the club:

Greg McKegg scored his first professional career hat trick on Oct. 23 vs. Albany to power the Pirates to a 4-2 victory.After the Pirates fell behind 2-0, John McFarland got the Pirates on the board with his second goal of the season. Following McFarland’s tally, McKegg lit the lamp three consecutive times to complete the comeback for Portland. The Pirates’ win is their third home victory in as many games at Cross Insurance Arena.Florida’s first round pick (23rd overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Michael Matheson, recorded his first professional goal on Oct. 24 at Albany. Despite the Pirates falling 3-1, Matheson finished the game with a +1 rating. Matheson has recorded 2 points (1-1-2) and 10 shots in five games with the Pirates this season.

For a full list of player statistics from the Portland Pirates, please look here.

Prospects Outside the AHL

Here’s a list of notable Panthers’ prospects who have been in action around the world, though not in the AHL. (Not present is Thomas Schemitsch, who has yet to play a game due to an injury he suffered before the season started.)

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Players of note

Jayce Hawryluk

The team’s second round selection from the 2013 NHL Draft has been tearing up the WHL this season, totaling 19 points in just 11 games. The 19-year-old winger is looking to lead the Brandon Wheat Kings back to the WHL Final, where they lost last season to the Kelowna Rockets.

Lawson Crouse

The 11th overall selection in the 2015 NHL Draft has had a solid start to his season, putting up seven points in five games. The big bodied winger is lining up alongside fellow Cats’ prospect Juho Lammikko for the second straight season, and both are looking to improve their offensive production. It’s been so far so good, but there’s still plenty of hockey for the duo left to play.

Michael Downing

Michael Downing was taken back in the 4th round of the 2013 NHL Draft, and has developed smoothly ever since then. The 20-year-old blue liner is in his junior year with the University of Michigan, and could end up being a solid addition to the Cats if he continues to along his current development curve.

Evan Cowley

Evan Cowley is making a strong case to be considered the team’s best goaltending prospect, as he had a solid season at the University of Denver last year, posting a .924% SV% in 20 games. This season, he’s started with a .944% SV% in his first two games, and if the 20-year-old continues to keep the puck out of the net, he could be signed to the Cats at the end of the season.

Next: Fourth Line Integral to Panthers Playoff Chances

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