[International Edition] Prospect Report (2/3)

(Sunrise, Florida)

It's about time for our second episode of the Florida Panthers Prospect Report. After rating the newly acquired wingers, e.g. snipers Alex DeBrincat and Brendan Perlini, last month we'll now investigate two parts of the roster that lacked almost everything last year. In this episode we want to take a closer look down the middle and at the goalie prospects in the Panthers system. 

Let's start with the two new center prospects.

Clayton Keller

Great speed, an excellent scoring touch, impressive offensive insticts and hockey IQ as well as strong playmaking abilities: Clayton Keller is thought to be the next franchise player within the Panthers system. Drafted on position 6 in the latest draft, Keller spent the season in Boston (NCAA). He has everything it needs to be a topline center in any NHL team. Everything but size. Keller needs to develop his physical aspects of the game in the near future as he is expected to turn pro rather sooner than later.

Despite some trade rumors around Keller in the past there really is no need for the Panthers to even consider trading him. Not even if the offer is immoral. Period. However, expect any price range to be much higher than the first round selection he was being drafted for. 

Rating:
Probably the next Patrick Kane - just smaller.

Jonathan Ang

Having been the Panthers third round selection, Jonathan Ang completes the much needed center acquisitions. Ang just had another quality year in the OHL, improving mentally and physically. While he still needs more time to develop strength and hockey senses, he brings one feature that is already at elite level: speed. His skating abilities are beyond current NHL standards and are a major feature regarding both special teams.

Like Keller, the Panthers also have no benefits from trading Ang as they still need to improve center depth. This means that any trade offers should feature a center prospect in return.

Rating:
Speedy center with excellent skating abilities who still needs to improve his overall abilities.

Now let's face the other end of the ice. While the Panthers concentrated on boosting firepower and playmaking depth on draft day, General Manager Koch needed to improve defensive depth solely relying on trades. One roster spot that got a great quality push is the one between the pipes...

Daniel Vladar

Daniel "Dan" Vladar joined the Panthers system at the time they also acquired Vitek Vanecek through trade. The huge, talented Czech Republic origin combines size with impressive quickness and agility. Like Vanecek, Vladar is considered a raw diamond who needs plenty of time to develop his all-around game. With Vanecek being the small and Vladar being the huge option, the idea behind getting both young Czechs was that at least one should improve into a NHL goalie soon. In terms of natural talent, both goalies could turn into a starting goalie which would be a luxury problem.

Acquiring Dan Vladar should need nothing less than a second round selection. However, it's highly unlikely that Florida would trade him or Vanecek soon.

Rating:
The combination of a huge framed, highly talented goalie with impressive natural skills leaves the sky as the limit for him.
Expected to battle Vanecek for the fourth goalie position in the Panthers system next year.

Wouter Peeters

The Belgium native goalie who currently plays in Finland was thought to be a sleeper pick in the draft and General Manager Koch soon had to regret not having a fourth round selection to pick Peeters. But the Panthers managed to acquire the huge 6'4" 205-pound beast a few days later in the Jhonas Enroth trade with Toronto. Being called "a diamond in the rough" Peeters is considered a mid-term project goalie who could either soar soon...or crash and burn even sooner.

Being a personal project player of General Manager Koch it's likely that the Panthers want to have a closer look at Peeters' improvements before they consider trading him. Therefore no prize tag is set currently.

Rating:
Talented, huge goalie with lots of upside. Needs plenty of time to develop.

Jeremy Helvig

The fifth round selection of the latest draft, Jeremy Helvig, is probably the least adventurous goalie variant in the Panthers system. The modern day NHL style goalie features size, athleticism and talent. Being years away from turning pro, all he needs is time to develop.

While Helvig was in a great position after the draft weekend, he'll now face plenty of competition between the pipes considering the acquisitions of Vitek Vanecek, Wouter Peeters and Dan Vladar.

Rating:
Capable goalie prospect with size, atheticism and talent.