The Florida Panthers have crept into the headlines yet again. This time due to the bizarre news of prospect Adam Mascherin not being contacted by the organization this off-season.
Is this Mascherin news “making a mountain out of a molehill” or is there more than meets the eye here?
Mascherin says he hasn’t heard from the Panthers since May. Doesn’t know what’s happened with hurricane, what’s happening with camp.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 13, 2017
“I haven’t spoken to them at all. I have no idea what’s going on.”
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 13, 2017
That. Is. Craziness.
The North American hockey media, particularly Canadian outlets, are quick to jump onto anything negative when it comes to the Panthers. Who can make that statement better than anyone? Me. As a fan of the Florida Panthers since inception living north of the border, I’ve been preconditioned to news like this breaking on my favorite hockey team since…well…forever.
However, Cats fans will continue to ponder why the skilled forward prospect is not in attendance at training camp or contacted by the club – injury or not.
Mascherin, a highly ranked prospect within the organization, should be a key cog for the Panthers moving forward. The organization lacks game breaking scoring wingers, and the 19-year-old appears like he can address a dire organizational need.
Related Story: Florida Panthers: Adam Mascherin could make the team in 2018
The Kitchener Rangers (OHL) have really benefited from Mascherin on their roster over the past few seasons. The prolific sniper blossomed last year breaking the 100 point-barrier in 65 games (35 goals and 65 assists).
Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon has never been scared of a microphone. This recent quote seems to benefit the young Panthers core moving forward:
Tallon: "We're gonna go with the best 23 guys. We're gonna go fast...our motto this year is speed and skill and sandpaper..."
— Cats On The Prowl (@Cats0ntheprowl) September 15, 2017
Regardless of how the roster shakes out this upcoming season, the Mascherin story line will be worth keeping tabs on.