In his first full season with the Florida Panthers, forward Jayce Hawryluk produced respectively, given his role on the bottom line.
Drafted back in 2014 in the second round (32nd overall), it took some time for Jayce Hawryluk to fully crack the Florida Panthers lineup full-time.
Although, after impressing the Cats with good showings down in the minors with Springfield, the Panthers decided that it would be worth a shot to give Jayce Hawryluk an opportunity to play on the fourth line.
On December 12, 2018, Hawryluk made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He unfortunately didn’t score or put up any points, but the Panthers ended up winning in overtime, thanks to Aleksander Barkov.
However, four games later against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jayce not only recorded his first career NHL goal, but he also recorded a pair of goals in that same game.
That night against the Hawks, in which the Panthers won 6-3, happened to be one of Hawryluk’s best games in a Panthers uniform during the 2018-19 campaign.
Hawryluk closed out his rookie season taking part in 42 games while recording 7G, 5A, and 12 points during that span.
While playing in those 42 games, the Panthers didn’t quite give Jayce enough of an opportunity to really contribute, essentially hand-tying him at times.
Yes, Hawryluk did feature on the second line at times (in short stints), but his 9:26 playing time really shows how limited his opportunities were to contribute.
Regardless, I think it’s safe to say that during his small portions of playing time, Hawryluk truly made the best out of a limited situation, doing everything that’s expected out of a bottom-six player.
Hawryluk provided energy, was tough along the boards and won a lot of puck battles. Better yet, he showed that he can retain enough puck possession to create scoring chances in the opposition’s end while causing havoc.
Heading into next season, the Panthers unquestionably have to provide Hawryluk with more playing time on the bottom line.
He’s shown that he’s ready to take on a full-time role in the NHL and provides the Panthers with a young, yet cost-efficient player who can be relied on at all times.
If the Panthers want Hawryluk to truly develop, then they’re going to have to provide him with more playing time in the bottom six.
Hawryluk has already shown what he’s capable of despite given limited playing time. Just imagine what he could bring with an increased role.
With more playing time next season, Jayce Hawryluk should undoubtedly flourish on the Panthers’ bottom line with other notable youngsters and even veterans playing alongside him.