Florida Panthers: Four prospects that prove the Cats’ future is bright

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: Aleksi Heponiemi greets Bill Torrey of the Florida Panthers after being selected 40th overall by the Florida Panthers during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 24: Aleksi Heponiemi greets Bill Torrey of the Florida Panthers after being selected 40th overall by the Florida Panthers during the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
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Owen Tippett (RW)

SUNRISE, FL – OCTOBER 30: Owen Tippett
SUNRISE, FL – OCTOBER 30: Owen Tippett

The overall top prospect for the Florida Panthers among various players is the right-winger Owen Tippett.

Tippett, 18, was selected with the 10th pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft out of Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL. Tippett projects to be a sniper in the NHL with a clear ability to shoot from anywhere on the ice. This is clearly shown by Tippett’s 44 goals in 60 games last season in the OHL.

Tippett began the 2017-18 season on the Florida Panthers’ opening roster but only played seven games before being sent back to juniors. In those seven games, Tippett recorded 1G, 1PT, and a -6 rating.

After being sent back to the OHL, Owen has continued to impress. In just 14 games played, Tippett has already tallied 6 goals and 10 assists on the Steelheads’ first line. In his last 5 games played, Tippett has scored 2 goals and 2 assists, good for 4 points total.

While Tippett likely will not be on the NHL roster this season at any point, he projects to fight for a spot on the Panthers’ top 6 next season and beyond.

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