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Florida Panthers: What The Future Holds For Denis Malgin

By Joey Bailey

Nov 1, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Denis Malgin (62) celebrates with teammates after his first NHL goal in the third period of a game against the Boston Bruins at BB&T Center. The Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Denis Malgin (62) celebrates with teammates after his first NHL goal in the third period of a game against the Boston Bruins at BB&T Center. The Bruins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the Summer of 2016 the Florida Panthers held their development camp tournament. One skater in particular stood out to them, Denis Malgin the speedy, skilled forward who was by far MVP of the tournament. So much so that they decided to ink him to his entry-level deal just a year after being drafted.

As most of us know by now Nick Bjugstad broke his hand in a preseason game. This gave rookie Denis Malgin the third line center job to start the season. It was just like that, the youngster went from playing in his home country to living out his dream in the NHL.

On November1st, he’d score his first career NHL goal against the Boston Bruins, a game the Panthers still ended up losing 2-1. Malgin would follow that up with another tally a couple of days after (Nov. 3rd) which ended up on the power play goal against the New Jersey Devils. The goal contributed to a 4-3 win in favor for the Cats.

Denis would log 47 games in the NHL for his first season putting up 6 goals and 4 assists along the way. In his time spent with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL), he’d see time in 15 games while scoring 3 goals with 9 assists.

Denis wouldn’t see all the minutes he deserved in the NHL because of roster mismanagement. However Malgin had some good time to adjust to the professional level of play. We’re all holding out hope that this helped his development and didn’t hurt, but only time will tell.

Finding the back of the net didn’t come easy for Denis, but when he was in the lineup he would often showcase his speed, skill with and without the puck, and great hockey IQ.

Malgin was quoted at the end of the season saying “I want to improve everything, I want to play on this team again, play more, and do more points to help the team.’’ 

I believe he has a very good chance at making the team again in 2017-18 season. Especially if he does well in the upcoming IIHF worlds and training camp again. Hopefully the Panthers will have a coach that can properly utilize him to the best of his abilities, because when Denis is on his game, he’s a menace to watch while on the ice!

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