The Florida Panthers are featured next in the NHL Prospect Pool Overview Series.
Tony Ferrari reviews the Panthers’ prospects by analyzing player strengths and weaknesses, the latest draft picks, depth across positions, and chances to break into the NHL. Players who have lost rookie eligibility are considered graduates and typically not part of this outlook, with a few exceptions.
Initial Thoughts
Following their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, the Panthers’ prospect pool doesn’t draw much fan focus. While they may not have the deepest wealth of prospects, Florida boasts some solid future talents. However, the organization is focused on sustainable, long-term success, featuring a strong NHL roster that is tough to penetrate for newcomers.
Jack Devine stands out as closest to earning an NHL spot but will likely spend his first pro season in the AHL. Devine has been a standout in college hockey, leading the University of Denver to three national finals in four years and capturing two titles. Though not flashy, Devine is an effective forward who excels in creating scoring chances for himself and others.
Sandis Vilmanis enters his second AHL season ready to take a step forward after a solid rookie year. His quick wrist shot and sharp puck handling make him a dangerous offensive player who can open space on the ice. Linus Eriksson, last year’s top pick, had a respectable campaign splitting time between Sweden’s Allsvenskan and the top league. Eriksson showcases strong hockey IQ and steady habits but must add speed and strength to thrive as a pro.
Gracy Sawchyn has transitioned to pro hockey this season, bringing a high-energy, skilled style to the AHL. Sawchyn combines a relentless work ethic with excellent puck skills and creative playmaking. Simon Zether may not be flashy but fits the mold of a hardworking, physical bottom-six forward who reads plays well and makes smart, simple decisions.
On defense, Matvei Shuravin offers size and mobility but has yet to develop offensive prowess. His recent growth stems from being bigger, faster, and stronger than most at the junior level in Russia. Shuravin’s defensive skills, especially in controlling lanes and physical play, make him one of the few defensemen with NHL potential in the system.
In goal, Kirill Gerasimyuk is the most notable netminder prospect. The near-22-year-old performed well in Russian leagues before a tough playoff stretch. Having just signed an entry-level contract, he’s expected to develop in the AHL, with his calm demeanor a key strength.
Key Under-23 Players Likely to See NHL Ice Time This Season
- Mackie Samoskevich (RW)
2025 NHL Draft Class Highlights
- 4th Round, 112th overall: Mads Kongsbak Klyvo (LW) from Vastra Frolunda Jr. (Sweden)
- 4th Round, 128th overall: Shea Busch (LW), Everett (WHL)
- 5th Round, 129th overall: Shamar Moses (RW), North Bay (OHL)
- 6th Round, 192nd overall: Arvid Drott (RW), Djuurgarden Jr. (Sweden)
- 7th Round, 197th overall: Brendan Dunphy (D), Wenatchee (WHL)
- 7th Round, 224th overall: Yegor Midlak (G), Spartak Moscow Jr. (Russia)
The Panthers waited until the fourth round to draft, selecting Danish winger Mads Kongsbak Klyvo, known for his skating, physical play, and defensive reliability, though his scoring and passing are average. Shea Busch, who shifted mid-season to the WHL, struggles with skating but plays a heavy, competitive game. Shamar Moses combines physicality with raw offensive talent but needs skating improvements. Arvid Drott is a speedy, North-South winger with a powerful shot, who also can play physically. Brendan Dunphy is a big, physical defender headed to the NCAA next season with time to grow. Yegor Midlak, a tall Russian goalie, is a promising long-term project despite limited recent play.
Strengths
The Panthers’ pipeline is strongest in wing positions, where even those listed as centers show promise as wingers. Sawchyn is a skillful, fast forward, Vilmanis is nearing pro impact, Devine has NHL experience, and Drott offers raw speed and shooting. While there isn’t a clear star, these wingers bring effective depth.
Weaknesses
Overall, the Panthers’ prospect pool is weaker than many teams but not as empty as some believe. However, the defense group has critical gaps. Michael Benning remains unsigned as an RFA, Shuravin showed capability but primarily at junior Russian levels, Vladislav Lukashevich transferred schools without securing a solid role, and Evannuse has struggled at the ECHL level. The system currently lacks NHL-ready defenders.
Hidden Gem: Simon Zether, Center
Zether stands out as a quality depth player who combines smart two-way play with physicality. His size and crafty passing help him win puck battles and prevent opponents from gaining easy possession. Not a top-six forward, but he could carve out a valuable bottom-six role on the NHL penalty kill.
Upcoming Prospect Spotlight: Jack Devine, RW
After a stellar NCAA career full of championships and scoring accolades, Devine signed an entry-level contract and joined the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. He scored five points in seven playoff games following a few regular season appearances. Moving from a shooter to a playmaker in his final college season, Devine looks like the type of forward who could provide scoring depth for the Panthers as they chase a third straight Stanley Cup.
Prospect Chart Summary
- LW: Sandis Vilmanis, Sasha Schwindt, Mads Kongsbak Klyvo, Hunter St-Martin
- C: Linus Eriksson, Gracy Sawchyn, Simon Zether
- RW: Arvid Drott, Shamar Moses, Jack Devine
- LD: Matvei Shuravin, Vladislav Lukashevich, Evan Nuse, Albert Wikman, Luke Coughlin
- RD: Ludvig Jansson, Mikulas Hovorka, Michael Benning
- G: Kirill Gerasimyuk, Yegor Midlak, Olof Gifford, Denis Gabdrakhmanov
For a deeper dive, check The Hockey News yearbook and future watch editions for player rankings.
Fan Take: For hockey fans, understanding the Panthers’ prospect pool offers insight into how a reigning champion cultivates future talent while balancing immediate success. Though the pool isn’t deep, the blend of promising forwards and long-term developmental projects could sustain Florida’s competitiveness and shape the NHL landscape in the coming years.
