Panthers Top Prospects 2013: 10-6

10.Nick Shore, C, 20, [Denver, Colorado] (PR: 19)

6’0, 190lbs

Acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh

 Another quick riser, Shore has jumped into the top 10 in the last year and if he had just made the next step, he could have been top 5. Shore, who was acquired in the massive deal that saw Sidney Crosby come to Florida, is in his junior year with the University of Denver and he continues to impress, leading the team in points.

“Nick has had to deal with playing on a lackluster Denver team this year, which has hurt him in picking up assists and reaching a similar point total to last year. But that hasn’t diminished his play on both sides of the puck and his offensive instinct. He is a hugely talented prospect in our system and maybe one of the most underrated. He has the skill set to easily become a top 6 forward for us in the future.”

9.Scott Wedgewood, G, 20, [Brampton, Ontario] (PR: 11)

6’0, 192lbs

Drafted 4^th round (95^th overall) in 2010

 It’s fair to say that the Panthers were intently watching Wedge as he made the jump to pro this year. And while he hasn’t stormed in and dominated, he has met expectations. The long season has worn on him in the ECHL and while he hasn’t played the strongest he has shown quite a few times that he can be a great goaltender. In his short start to his AHL career he has been nothing short of fantastic. How long that holds, remains to be seen, but he seems to be on the right track.

“While it hasn’t been the smoothest year, it hasn’t deterred our expectations for Wedegwood. We still see him as a guy who does have the potential to be a #1 goalie in the NHL. His ability to play even better in big games is something we love. With Johnny Quick here and other goalies in the system, he has a lot of time to develop with us.”

8.Darcy Kuemper, G, 22, [Saskatoon, Saskatchewan] (PR: 13)

6’5, 207lbs

Drafted 5^th round (145^th overall) in 2011

You may have to wonder, where hasn’t Kuemper played well this year? He was great in his short stint in the ECHL, he has absolutely dominated the AHL, convincing us all that he may be too good for the league, and in a short stint in the NHL, he was nothing short of superb until a short term injury ended that. The 2011 CHL goaltender of the year is showing that the play in junior as an over ager, was no fluke.

 “Darcy has been excellent this year, and that is why he has claimed the title of best goalie prospect in our system. He just continues to get better and better with each year and there’s no telling what the limit is for him. But right now we could easily see him being #1.”

7.Daniel Catenacci, C, 19, [Newmarket, Ontario] (PR: 17)

5’10, 191lbs

Drafted 2^nd Round (50^th overall) in 2011

After an impressive first year with the Owen Sound Attack, questions arose whether he could carry the offense with a loss of their top veterans. He has done that and more leading Owen Sound nears the top of the Western Conference. Catenacci has displayed skill and speed in his 4^th OHL year, putting him in the top 15 in scoring, and showing why he was taken 1^st overall in the OHL draft. He has already set a career high in goals as we near the end of the season and has tied his high in points.

“Another high riser on the list, Daniel has jumped 10 spots with great authority. We are very happy with the progress he has made in the last year and we were stunned that he didn’t make team Canada (looks like they made a mistake). He’s a guy who has shown amazing play on both sides of the puck and has continued to give us good reason to not regret his 2^nd round selection.”

6.Tyson Barrie, D, 21, [Victoria, British Columbia] (PR: 10)

5’10, 190lbs

Drafted 3^rd round (77^th overall) in 2009

 Into his 4^th year with the Panthers organization, Barrie continues to keep getting better and better each year and is way ahead of schedule. The 21 year old was great in the AHL this season, and was even better in the NHL proving to be one of the better defenseman on Colorado. Due to an injury and numbers game, he was squeezed back down to the AHL, though it probably won’t last long.

“Barrie might be our favourite prospect in our system, just for the fact that he is smaller but he doesn’t let that affect him.  He continues to play great on both sides of the puck, but his forte remains in the offensive zone and he has really shone there. He is a guy we have really high hopes for, and he is going to be a great defenseman in this league.”