Florida Panthers Top Prospects: 30-26

30. Taylor Aronson, D, 20, Placentia, California (PR: NR)

6’1, 196lbs

Acquired in trade with Calgary

Unable to crack the list last year, Aronson has jumped up into the Panthers books this season. After improving in his final year on a stacked Portland Winterhawks team, he had the opportunity to turn pro. The California native had a short stay in the AHL, picking up 1 assist in 14 games with the Milwaukee Admirals. Moving to the ECHL and getting more ice time, Aronson has been key, with 11 points in 20 games from the backend.

“When we picked up Taylor from Calgary we knew he was a project. His progression may be slow right now but watching him, you know he has the tools and skill set to be a very productive player in the pros. He works hard at both ends of the ice, and is really a tireless worker. He still is a good 2 to 3 years away from sniffing the pros but he is a guy we do want to keep around.”

29. Marcel Mueller, LW, 23, Berlin, Germany (PR: 24)

6’3, 232lbs

Drafted 4^th round (99^th overall) in 2010

 The big German struggled early on in his North American career. He had just 32 points in 57 games in his first year with the Toronto Marlies along with a short stint in the NHL. But the 6’4 forward seems to settling in, with 30 points in 44 games this year; the offensive game seems to have not translated across the ocean. This caused him to fall 5 spots in this year’s list, potentially falling out of the graces of the Panthers brass.

“There is still a lot to like about Marcel. His size is still a very intriguing and he does have the skill set to be a productive bottom 6 forward. We want to see more of a consistent effort out of him, and we feel he is still a few years from making any kind of impact at the pro level. Though at his age his window is much smaller than the guys ahead of him, and his experience needs to shine through if he doesn’t want to get lost in the depth chart.”

28. Joe Basaraba, RW, 19, Fort Frances, Ontario (PR: New)

6’2, 195lbs

Acquired in trade with Pittsburgh

Basaraba took the route less traveled by Canadians. Heading to play college hockey instead of the CHL. His first year at Minnesota-Duluth was not the most successful, finishing with just 5 points in 36 games. His sophomore year has been more of a bright spot, with 13 points in 27 games, showing more finish then most would have expected.

“Joe is definitely not the most skilled prospect in our system and was not drafted for his offensive talent. But the role he plays, he plays well. He is not afraid to use his size and get into peoples face. His skating is very solid and will help him keep up at the pro level. He is a project, and we fully expect him to play all 4 years at college and then at least another 2 in the AHL. But he is a guy we can see being a very productive 3^rd liner.”

27. Robert Czarnik, C, 22, Detroit, Michigan (PR: 30)

6’0, 188lbs

Drafted 3^rd round in 2008

The skilled young forward has bounced around a lot over the last 5 years. Moving from the US under 18 team, to the University ofMichigan and then finally to the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL. It was finally time for him to turn pro, and he has done well with the opportunity. After struggling early, he has turned it on with 14 points in 25 games before going down with an injury. Allowing him to move up in the list, even with all the new additions.

“We have been very happy with the progression from Robbie. He’s a guy we liked and still one of the players left over from our first draft in 2008. His two-way play has been really improving and his offensive game has really come to the fore front. It was disappointing that he went down with the injury as he was really coming into his own in the AHL. He still is a few years from the pros, but if he continues to progress the way he has, he could easily move into a spot.”

26. Sondre Olden, LW, 19, Oslo, Norway (PR: New)

6’4, 180lbs

Acquired in Trade with Pittsburgh