Florida Panthers: The Rat Trick’s End of Season Awards
By Cal Friedman
Most Underrated Player of the Season
Danny Janicas: Denis Malgin
Kevin Fielder: Jared McCann
Sam Golub: Evgenii Dadonov
Jacob Langsam: Jared McCann
Kirby Lupul: Evgenii Dadonov
Luke Kendall: Jamie McGinn
Jonathan Reichenberger: Colton Sceviour
T.J. Peterson: Jared McCann
Cal Friedman: MacKenzie Weegar
Jake Tucker: MacKenzie Weegar
"“Seriously, stop underrating this kid, it’s criminal. Jared McCann is the perfect depth center for the Panthers. He provides scoring (28 points, 4 game winners including one against Toronto) and also provides overall defense. His effectiveness allows him to be played in many different positions and roles that it’s unbelievable at points. It’s about time we start talking about him like he’s a god or something.” – Kevin Fielder"
"“Young Malgin played whatever role he was asked to take on, whether it was 2nd line or even 4th line. ‘Denis the Menace’ came up clutch in multiple situations, most notably in the big apple when he sniped the game’s winning goal over Lundqvuist’s shoulder, propelling the Cats to a much-needed victory. Malgin also showed that he can adapt to any situation he’s placed in, and even thrived playing on a line with Trocheck and Huberdeau.” – Danny Janicas"
"“Evgenii Dadonov, because his success essentially becomes overshadowed by budding superstar players such as Barkov, Huberdeau, and Trocheck. Without Dadonov, Florida wouldn’t have experienced a successful season which saw them overachieve significantly. ‘Dad’ doesn’t receive enough credit, especially from the national audience, considering almost everyone pays attention to the aforementioned 3 dynamic stars I named.” – Sam Golub"
"“Sceviour gets passed over for being important simply because he usually occupies one of the fourth line wings. However, Sceviour is one of the Panthers’ best penalty killers, if not the best. Sceviour can also play on any line which was showcased in the last few games when he took the spot from Nick Bjugstad on the top line. “While many complained about this move, Sceviour actually flourished on this line and was a big reason why the Panthers ended their season on a 5-game win streak. Sceviour may go back down to the fourth line next season, but if there ever is a spot open in the top nine, he will definitely get another chance to show the skill that he has.” – Jonathan Reichenberger"
"“This one really isn’t an answer I can back up by points, or particular moments, or Jacob and T.J.’s fancy analytics, but I love what I saw from MacKenzie Weegar this year. This is a 2nd round talent with 1st overall work ethic in a 7th round draft pick, where the kid leaves it all on the ice. “He’s not the strongest or boldest player on the team, and still uses his body to his advantage, playing like the fastest defenseman on our team, but holding his own on the boards. He never gives up and he had some really good performances this season (in particular the 4-3 win over Vegas and the 3-2 win over Carolina). I have a lot of faith in him for the next couple of years.” – Cal Friedman"