The Florida Panthers closed out the Draft with their last four picks. They’d see themselves picking in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6th round.
After selecting Owen Tippett with the 10th overall pick in the first round, the Panthers turned their attention over to their remaining picks in the Draft. The day started with their 2nd round pick (40th overall), in which they would select Center Aleksi Heponiemi.
Aleksi spent the year playing for the Swift Current of the Western Hockey League. Standing at just 5’10 in height and weighing 150 pounds, Heponiemi is a little speedster when playing. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with speed and skill. In 72 games played, he recorded 28G, 58A, and 86 points all together. He’ll likely go back to juniors, as he will need to gain more weight. Nevertheless though, an exciting young player to add to our minor system.
Next came our 3rd round pick (66th overall), in which we received from the Arizona Coyotes. With the pick, the Cats took defensemen Max Gildon from NTDP U18 (USHL). In 26 games played, he tallied 5G, 9A, and 14 points. With the U.S. National U18 Team, he also tallied 11G, 22A, and 33 points in 63 games played. At 6’3 (187lbs), Gildon is certainly a physical presence on the blue line. Not only can the youngster hit and play the body, but he can score as well. He’ll continue his development next year with University of New Hampshire.
The Panthers did not have a 4th round pick. In result, would have to wait until the 5th round for their next selection. With the 133rd pick in the Draft, the Cats selected defensemen Tyler Inamoto from USA U18 (NTDP). In 17 games played with NTDP Juniors (U18), Inamoto recorded 2G, 5A, and 7 points. With the U.S. National Under 18 Team, he also recorded 2G, 11A, and 13 points in 51 games played. At 6’2 (196lbs), he is a solid defender both offensively and defensively. Tyler will continue his development with University of Wisconsin.
Next: Florida Panthers select Owen Tippett 10th overall
Our last pick in the draft came from the 6th round. The 184th pick in the 6th round was received in part of a deal with the Anaheim Ducks. With the 184th pick in the Draft, the Panthers selected right-winger Sebastian Repo from Tappara, Finland. In 46 games played, Repo tallied 11G, 21A, and 32 points all together. Standing at 6’2 (198lbs), Sebastian fares well in the height department. He is known more for his playmaking abilities. Repo will continue his development with Tappara in the Finnish Elite League.
That concludes the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Stay tuned for the first day of Free Agency on July 1st.