The Florida Panthers have a prospect pool with some incredible talent, with a few of them ready to take the next step to the NHL.

The Panthers had a great season in 2015/16, capturing the Atlantic Division title and, with off-season moves and top-level prospects ready to take the next step, it is looking like they are inching towards a deep playoff run. The 2016 draftees help build on what is already a deep prospect pool, adding one center, three forwards and three defensemen.

Florida fans should be excited about the future of their team, arguably a top Eastern Conference team and a team that is positioned for years of success.

Depth Chart-Top Prospects

Forwards

Defensemen

Goaltenders

Rising Stars

1. Jayce Hawryluk: Hawryluk had a breakout season in helping the Brandon Wheat Kings win the WHL championship. He has the ability to get under opponents’ skin with his physical play, while putting up some great numbers offensively. He led his team with 106 regular-season points in 58 games played. In addition, he also showed he can play in high-pressure situations. In the WHL playoffs, he was second in league scoring with 30 points in 21 games. It will be interesting to see if Hawryluk can transition his dominant performance to the pro level, which will most likely begin with the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL.

Jayce Hawryluk literally fights back in a bout with Brayden Point:

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2. Lawson Crouse: Crouse and the Kingston Frontenacs were favourites to reach the OHL final but were eliminated in the second round. After a solid season, his ability to be physical, read plays and play in all situations will be beneficial as he transitions to the pros. In the 2015-16 OHL season, Crouse had 73 points in 68 regular-season and playoff games. Expect Crouse to battle for a roster spot with the Panthers next season. He should get at least a nine-game look in Florida even if management then determines he’s better suited for another season in the OHL and avoids burning a year off his entry-level deal. 

3. Dryden Hunt: Signed as a free agent by the Panthers earlier this year, Hunt is coming off his best career season in 2015-16. He captured the WHL regular-season scoring title and Player of the Year honors by getting 132 points in 82 games. Over the past two seasons, Hunt has elevated his game. In 2013-14, he had 45 points in 66 regular-season and playoff games with the Regina Pats of the WHL. He will begin the 2016-17 campaign with the Springfield Thunderbirds and it will be interesting to see if the 6-0, 19-pound winger can put up similar numbers in the AHL.

Fallers

1. Connor Brickley: The 2010 second-round pick has had some growing pains in his transition to the pro level. He was given an opportunity in 2015-16 with the Panthers, but registered only five points in 23 games. He was a close to a point-per-game-player in his draft year, and if he could return to those kinds of numbers in the AHL/NHL he would get more chances to make the NHL roster.

Updated Top 10 Prospects

1. Lawson Crouse
2. Jayce Hawryluk
3. Henrik Borgstrom
4. Michael Matheson
5. Samuel Montembeault
6. Dryden Hunt
7. Mackenzie Weegar
8. Adam Mascherin
9. Thomas Schemitsch
10. Kyle Rau

Chris Crawford