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Florida Panthers: 2019 NHL Draft Prospect Defense + Goalie Rankings

By Thomas Krulikowski

KELOWNA, BC - DECEMBER 18: Philip Broberg #25 of Team Sweden skates with the puck against Team Russia at Prospera Place on December 18, 2018 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
KELOWNA, BC - DECEMBER 18: Philip Broberg #25 of Team Sweden skates with the puck against Team Russia at Prospera Place on December 18, 2018 in Kelowna, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /
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Tier A – Possible NHL Goalie, Chance at Starter

ST. PAUL, MN – SEPTEMBER 19: Team Langenbrunner goalie Spencer Knight (30) kicks the puck into the corner during the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game between Team Leopold and Team Langenbrunner on September 19, 2018 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Team Leopold defeated Team Langenbrunner 6-4.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN – SEPTEMBER 19: Team Langenbrunner goalie Spencer Knight (30) kicks the puck into the corner during the USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game between Team Leopold and Team Langenbrunner on September 19, 2018 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Team Leopold defeated Team Langenbrunner 6-4.(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Spencer Knight / L / APR 01 / USDP / USHL

Big frame, big athleticism as the combine showed. Deliberate and long movements. Does a bit too much in his footwork and puck handling. Would like to see more economy and tougher competition. Good aggressiveness, good focus. Mainly high-danger chances and long periods of no shots this year made it hard to be consistent, and judge Knight’s consistency.

2. Pyotr Kochetkov / L / JUN 99 / HK Ryazan / VHL

Calm in net with fluid motions. Handles back-door plays well because of his strong base and good leg extension. I like how he controls and almost patrols his crease and how his competitive nature helped him beat goalies out for national time.

Related Story. Five Defensemen to Select with the 13th Pick. light

3. Hugo Alnefelt / L / JUN 01 / HV71 / SuperElit

Alnefelt has his doubters but he’s big, he’s athletic, he does well in his age group, and is first year eligible. It’s hard to see him not be included in the first handful of goalies selected. I usually rate HV71 goalies high (Felix Sandstrom, Adam Ahman). Alnefelt tends to overcommit short side but that’s fixable. Hopefully.

4. Ilya Konovalov / L / JUL 98 / Lokomotiv Yaroslavl / KHL 

Konovalov had big numbers, big press year in the KHL. His lateral movement and no-quit allow him to steal goals and break hearts. He’s almost 21, but that’s when Bobrovsky came over to Philadelphia. See too much promise in his attacking style to pass up if I need goalie help relatively soon. Better than bidding on the open market.

5. Amir Miftakhov / L / APR 00 / Irbis Kazan / MHL 

My favorite goalie in this class. Miftakhov manages the game with his rebounds and freezes the puck mindfully. Smarts and positioning are pluses, and he may be the smartest goalie in the draft. The ability to read his opponent’s intentions makes up for his shorter frame, as does a quick glove. He could see more national duty in his development.

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