Playing in nearly 40 games during the 2017-18 season, defenseman Ian McCoshen experienced a shortened 2018-19 campaign with the Florida Panthers.
Ian McCoshen, who was drafted back in 2013 (second round, 31st overall), was frequently used at times for the Florida Panthers during the 2017-18 season.
Taking part in 38 games that year, McCoshen recorded 3G, 1A, for a total of 4 points. While his tally was certainly underwhelming, McCoshen had flashes of good moments.
Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough to convince the Panthers for the rest of the season, as the 23-year-old was used less frequently throughout the year.
During training camp in preparation for the following season (2018-19), McCoshen failed to make the opening night roster and was sent down to the Springfield Thunderbirds to continue developing in the AHL.
As solid as McCoshen can be at times defensively, the Panthers noted that his play was just too inconsistent to justify a full-time roster spot at the NHL level.
Instead, the AHL (Springfield) provided McCoshen with the perfect platform and opportunity to work on his game and to fix the areas that needed most tightening.
As McCoshen started to improve in Springfield over 38 games, the Panthers decided that it would be worth giving him a call-up to the big leagues to see what he could provide.
Through the remainder of the 2018-19 season, McCoshen played in 19 games over a spread of time, mustering a goal and an assist in result.
While his time in the big leagues was short-lived this past season, McCoshen didn’t really make much of an impact, nor did he show that he was capable of handling a full-time spot in the NHL.
McCoshen’s always been known as a defensive-defenseman, evident by his stats. However, while defending may be regarded as his “forte,” McCoshen has yet to show that he can defend consistently at the NHL level.
For both parties alike, it would be best if McCoshen starts next season in the minors, where he can further work on his defensive game at a level he’s comfortable playing at.
Starting him with the Panthers will only crush his confidence and will only show what we already know: that he isn’t quite there yet in his young playing career.
There’s no rush and there shouldn’t be any rush with defenseman Ian McCoshen. I’m sure that Dale Tallon and co. will see that McCoshen needs another start in the minors to kick-off his 2019-20 campaign.