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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Henrik Borgstrom (C)

CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 08: Henrik Borgstrom
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 08: Henrik Borgstrom /

While Tippett may be the best prospect the Panthers have in juniors, the Finnish center Henrik Borgstrom may be the most exciting to watch.

In 2015, Borgstrom was passed on in the NHL Draft due to never playing in a top league or a major international tournament for his country. But in 2016, Borgstrom was taken in the first round by the Panthers, something that was considered a reach to some.

At 6’3”, Henrik has the size that NHL teams want. Pair that with his hands that can dazzle anyone and his playmaking ability, he holds value for the future with the Florida Panthers. Whether the value is held at center or wing, Borgstrom himself will be a force to be reckoned with. Having Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck as the team’s top two centerman’s, the youngster may be called upon to play on the wing.

In his freshman season for Denver (NCAA), Borgstrom recorded 43 points (22 G, 21 A) in 37 games played. His production was enough for Denver to win the NCAA National Championship. In his Sophomore season, Henrik has taken an enormous step forward, scoring 13 goals and assisting on another 10 in 15 games.

While it’s unlikely that Borgstrom will crack the top 6 next season, it seems likely that Borgstrom will receive NHL time next season for the Panthers.

Video:

Next: Samuel Motembeault - Springfield Thunderbirds