The Florida Panthers made their first selections in the 2026 NHL Draft in the second round, first at 40th overall and then again at 48th overall.
Here’s a quick look at the Panthers' newest prospects.
Simas Ignatavicius - RW (40th Overall)
With their first selection, the organization called forward Simas Ignatavicius, a dual citizen of Lithuania and the United States, since he was born on Oct. 22, 2007, in Memphis, TN.
At 40th overall, it appears that Ignatavicius fell to the Panthers, since most of his rankings on his Elite Prospects profile had him as high as #27 down to #39, with only one scout placing him down at #50.
Simas Ignatavicius is just the third Lithuanian ever selected in the history of the NHL Draft.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) June 27, 2026
He joins Dainius Zubrus and Darius Kasparaitis. 🇱🇹
Thus far, he has not played in North America, instead building up his career in Switzerland, where he played for HC Thurgau in the SL and Genève-Servette HC in the NL. In 52 games last season, Ignatavicius tallied seven goals and 13 points, with 43 penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating.
Considering Lithuania does not play in the top division of IIHF junior hockey, Ignatavicius is a star in the second division, where he helped his country win the gold medal at the U20 WJC in 2024-25, scoring the tournament’s most goals, assists, and points to earn Top Player on Team honors. Last year, he was the NL Best Rookie.
For the 2026-27 season, Ignatavicius will continue to play with Genève-Servette HC.
Ryder Cali - C (48th Overall)
The Panthers’ next pick at the 2026 NHL Draft was 17-year-old center Ryder Cali at 48th overall. As another dual citizen, he is from Lugano, Switzerland, but represents Canada on the international stage.
Only SMAHT Scouting projected Cali to be the 48th best prospect in the draft, with many other scouts penciling him in the late 30s and early 40s.
Cali played roller hockey in the Cayman Islands until the family moved to Ontario when he was 7.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) June 27, 2026
Big player that plays a 200-foot game. Lots to throw the body. Very much a Panther on paper.
For the past two seasons, Cali played with the North Bay Battalion. After going goalless in his first year, he collected 16 in 2025-26, adding 20 assists for 36 points in 47 games.
Meanwhile, Cali skated with Canada’s U18 team, collecting a single assist in five contests. He turns 18 on September 6 and will transition to the NCAA for the upcoming season, committing to Providence College.
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