The Florida Panthers are always looking to retool their roster with younger, faster and more skilled players. What better way to do so, than to call up Adam Mascherin!
Adam Mascherin is certainly a player worth waiting for in the future. The youngster possess skill, speed and grit. Something all teams look for in a player. In 65 games with Kitchener last year, the 19-year-old put up 35G, 65A and 100 points all together. Among all the leaders in the OHL last season (2016-17), Adam ranked 3rd in points, 14th in goals and 4th in assists.
Playing for a sub par team at best, Mascherin basically carried the team on his back (offensively). Not being the tallest in height (5’9), Adam makes up for his height with speed and skill. It’s also worth noting, that despite his short stature, he can also throw his body around when needed. He’s no lightweight!
When it comes to roster availability, Adam can surely slot into the fourth line. Despite playing on the Left Wing the majority of his career, Mascherin can also play the Center position, when needed. With a fourth line of Haley, D-Mac and Sceviour, do expect for a good spot to be open most of the year, as Haley will likely be scratched. If that’s the case, then Adam would seriously be a prime candidate for the spot.
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The other availability worth mentioning is Captain Derek MacKenzie’s position. With his contract up at the end of this year, it’s very unlikely that D-Mac gets an extension. The open Center position (left by MacKenzie) could also be an opportunity for Adam to jump on (in 2018-19). However, I’d personally prefer him on the Left Wing, while giving that position to Jayce Hawryluk, a natural Centerman.
While 2018 (somewhere in middle of the year) seems like a fair time for Mascherin to jump up to the big leagues, I wouldn’t even count out a possibility of seeing him earlier. I don’t think we should rush him and give him a permanent spot on the team just yet, however, I do believe he should be called upon here and there in certain games (when needed).
I think it’s likely he starts to see some more of the “NHL ice” during the latter half of the 2017-18 season. With the new direction that the Panthers are heading into, I wouldn’t bet against Mascherin from making the club permanently, for the 2018-19 season.
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Overall, I truly believe that Adam Mascherin is heading in the right direction, and could potentially become a key piece to the Florida Panthers. Time will certainly tell for Adam, but my money is on him to make an impact for our bottom line.