Florida Panthers: Henrik Borgström Could Blossom This Season

Following a relatively brief first-stint in the big leagues back in the 2017-18 NHL season, Florida Panthers’ top-rated, highly touted prospect Henrik Borgström could potentially become a favorite for the Calder Trophy in 2018-19.

Since becoming drafted 23rd overall by the Florida Panthers back in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Henrik Borgström has soared up the ranks, receiving noteworthy recognition from NHL scouts and executives. Once considered a reach with the 23rd overall selection, Borgström now appears to be a steal from his draft.

Borgström established himself as a premier superstar in NCAA Hockey, producing two magnificent seasons in 2017 and 2018 for Denver University.

During the 2016-17 season for Denver, Henrik partook in 37 contests, recording an outstanding slash line of 22G, 21A, and 43Pts. Borgström was named an All-American and helped Denver win the NCAA Championship in the same year.

Unsurprisingly, Borgström followed his extraordinary rookie season with a simply sensational sophomore year for Denver University.

In 40 games with the Pioneers in 2018, Henrik registered a phenomenal tally of 23G, 29A, for 52Pts, becoming a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award (MVP of Collegiate Hockey). Once Denver was eliminated from the playoffs, the Florida Panthers immediately summoned their No. 1 rated prospect.

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In 4 games with the Panthers, Henrik Borgström recorded 1 goal, coming in the final game of the regular season against all-star caliber netminder Tuukka Rask. With Henrik already notching his first career NHL goal, the Finnish sensation will now head into the 2019 NHL season with significantly less pressure.

Despite playing in a relatively small sample size of NHL games, Borgström certainly impressed FLA management and coaching staff. Henrik was instantly slotted onto Florida’s 3rd line as their centerman, playing both ends of the ice exceptionally well.

As training camp nears for the Florida Panthers, Henrik Borgström will receive the opportunity to showcase his all-world talents. Currently, as Florida’s lineup projection stands, Borgström will begin the 2019 season as the Panthers’ 3rd line centerman.

However, if Borgström performs incredibly well, by virtue of a magnificent training camp and preseason showing, then the 21-year-old could potentially earn himself a spot on Florida’s top-6 forward unit.

Borgström could potentially find himself playing on the wing if slotted into the top-6, mainly because Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck are bonafide, superstar-worthy centermen.

Bench Boss Bob Boughner could possibly place Nick Bjugstad on the 3rd line, thus elevating Henrik Borgström into a more prevalent role. In addition, if an injury amongst a top-6 forward were to occur, then Borgström could ultimately be considered a worthy substitute.

Essentially, if Henrik Borgström has an impressive training camp and preseason, then the Finnish rookie could earn himself a more meaningful role and a permanent spot on FLA’s roster. Consistency will be essential for Borgström if he hopes to remain on the club during the 2018-19 season.

Ultimately, the expectations are reasonably high for Henrik Borgström, as the promising forward could finish as a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2019, as well as help lead the Panthers towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs.