The Florida Panthers have been one of the best teams in the NHL since the turn of the decade. Florida has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs every year since 2020, and their success has produced a Presidents’ Trophy in 2022, two Eastern Conference Championships in 2023 and 2024, and the franchise’s first Stanley Cup title in 2024.
As a result, the Panthers haven’t received the top draft picks and have even traded some draft capital away to push all in over the last few seasons. As a result, the organization's prospect pool isn’t as strong as other clubs that are rebuilding. Still, there are plenty of gems that can develop into NHL players down the line. One of those is the club’s top-rated prospect, Gracyn Sawchyn.
Sawchyn was selected by the Cats in the second round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 63rd overall pick has had a great career in the Western Hockey League, playing for two different teams. His first WHL franchise was the Seattle Thunderbirds. In his first season there, 2022-23, the Alberta native tallied 18 goals and 58 points in 58 regular-season games.
In that year’s postseason, he recorded three goals and 11 points in 17 playoff games. The Thunderbirds made the Memorial Cup Championship Game after winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup, which is given to the WHL champion. In 2023-24, Sawchyn played 17 regular-season games for Seattle. Then, he was dealt to the Edmonton Oil Kings to finish the season.
For the entire year, the 20-year-old was able to play in 54 total games, while getting 19 goals and 45 assists for 64 points. Unfortunately, Sawchyn didn’t see any playoff action. On a positive note, he was able to get back in the WHL postseason this past year. During the 2024-25 campaign, the center totaled 78 points (30 G, 48 A).
His best season in major junior hockey put the youngster just outside the top-20 in the league for scoring. Sawchyn’s effort led the Oil Kings in goals, assists, points, plus-minus rating, power play assists, short handed goals, and shots on goal. It was a banner year for the prospect. Edmonton was able to get to the WHL Playoffs and force a game 7 against the 2-seed Prince Albert Raiders in the opening round.
Unfortunately, the Oil Kings lost 5-0 in the do-or-die contest and got sent home. In that series, Sawchyn posted two goals and six assists for eight total points. He has shown to be a very promising forward who could become an everyday contributor at the NHL level. Gracyn is known for his high motor and relentless work ethic. He has always gone directly after the puck, like a dog chasing after a tennis ball.
The prospect has decent speed for a man of his size (6-0, 154 lbs.). So, he could win lots of races down the ice to fetch a puck or prevent icing calls. If he can’t win the race for the puck, he can always win board battles, gain possession of the puck, and find an open teammate. Speaking of passing, this is regarded as the best trait for the Canadian.
Sawchyn is known to complete some craft passes off the backhand, on the forehand, through defenders, and through sticks in the way. He is very crafty when given space and can make plays happen out of nothing. The biggest aspect of his game that has improved is his shooting. Sawchyn has shot the puck more, averaging 3.37 shots on goal per game, an increase from the 2.00 he averaged last season.
Not only can the young forward pass and shoot, but his motor also enables him to force lots of turnovers. He is also great on the forecheck as well as his skating. He never gives up on a play, and when on offense, if a pass isn’t available, Sawchyn has no qualms going up the middle of the ice and putting his body on the line.
He isn’t afraid of contact, and his fearlessness is something to admire, especially for a skater of smaller stature. This is the type of player that any fan base would love to have on their roster. For the kid, Panthers fans can expect him to get a chance to compete for a roster spot next season. That’s especially the case when several forwards like Brad Marchand need contract extensions.
It’s not a guarantee that everyone will be back for next season. We’ve seen Mackie Samoskevich make the full-time jump as a rookie this season. Don’t be surprised if we see somebody like Sawchyn make his NHL debut this October.