Panthers Top Prospects 2014: 5-1

5. Brendan Gaunce, C, 19, [Markham, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 205lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Colorado

It’s been publicly known that Dylan has been in pursuit of Gaunce since draft day. After a failed attempt to move up in the draft, he was selected by the Stars. The chase didn’t end there, and there was quite a few trade talks, but nothing materialized. It wasn’t until the Panthers could work out a deal with the Avalanche to finally bring in Gaunce. Ever since his draft season, Gaunce has been nothing but a point per game player, including this year after being dealt to the powerhouse Erie Otters. The only complaint so far, is he hasn’t had that breakout season many would hope you’d see, and he also failed to make team Canada two years in a row. Though that doesn’t diminish his overall value, and the Panthers still see a lot of potential from Gaunce.

Future: It’s not been a rough road, but it hasn’t been the best one so far. It’s actually up in the air if he returns for his overage year, but most likely he turns pro and ends up in the AHL. He projects to be a 3^rd line centre, and with Toews and Crosby already on the roster, that is not a bad thing and if he can hone his physical ability and defensive presence, he can have a long career.

4. Darcy Kuemper, G, 23, [Saskatoon, Saskatchewan] (PR: 8)

6’5, 205lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 5^th round (145^th Overall) in 2011

After being shunned for two straight drafts, the Panthers took a flyer on Kuemper late in the 5^th round back in 2011. With the sixth last pick to be exact. What they saw was a big young goalie continually improving, until he dominated his final year in the WHL. Since then it has been an uphill progression at each stage he has gone through. First he went to the ECHL and dominated, while having success in the AHL. Then there was domination at the AHL level, with a sub 2 GAA. Then there was a short 6 game stint in the NHL, where he continued to show a consistent level of play. Now at 23 years old, he’s begun to lock down a full time spot in the NHL, putting up an impressive run with the Wild.

Future: After Jonathan Quick was dealt and the team shifted its focus to running in to the future with Steve Mason. Who would split the duties in the future was up for grabs. Since the Dubnyk experiment has not been going quite to plan, it now seems it is Kuempers to lose. If Dubnyk is moved out by next season, expect Kuemper to become the full time backup.

3. Shea Theodore, D, 18, [Aldergrove, BC] (PR: NEW)

6’2, 174lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 1^st round (24^th Overall) in 2013

The Panthers made it a mission to move up on draft day, to secure Shea Theodore. “In the range we were in, we only wanted one guy from this draft and we worked to no end to make sure we got him.” While it seems like all other competitions gave him the snub (Super Series/World Juniors), the Panthers continued to believe in him. He has done nothing but prove everyone wrong, dominating at the WHL level, clearly surpassing his previous highs and taken the WHL by storm. He currently leads the WHL, with a nice 9 point cushion on the guy in 2^nd. Don’t expect too many more snubs in the future.

Future: The Panthers knew the ability that Theodore possessed in the offensive zone, and the skating ability and the hard shot that can be lethal on the power play. This season the defensive game has developed more this season, but still needs to improve before he makes the next jump. Though there is no question that Theodore is elite with the puck and while he has a lot of bust ability in his game, the high end potential is there and makes him one of the most interesting prospects in the system. With 6 very young defense already on the roster, time is on his side and there is no question he’ll be back in the WHL next season.

2. Brock Nelson, C, 22, [Warroad, Minnesota] (PR: 4)

6’3, 196lbs

Drafted by the Panthers in the 2^nd round (32^nd Overall) in 2010

After a truly outstanding year in his first year pro in the AHL, it was time to make the next step for Nelson. This year he has jumped right in to the fire on Long Island, and has held his own. With 18 points in 47 games, it has placed him in the top 20 of rookie scoring, but that really isn’t what has impressed everyone. His reliability at both ends of the ice has been excellent and his size has been used to his advantage. While he’s been limited in his minutes, Nelson has been one of the most reliable players for the Islanders night in and night out.

Future: He has already come such a far way, and there is no doubt that he will be on the pro team next year. We’ve talked to the coaching staff for the Panthers, and there is a good chance Nelson will be a key part of the team next year, splitting the 3^rd and 4^th line centre roles with Brad Richardson. What is the plan going forward is interesting considering the depth ahead of him on the top two lines. There could be the chance that he ends up as an awesome 3^rd liner, or they could try and move him to the wing and make him an excellent power forward on the top 2 lines. Either way he’s going to be a very good player.

1. Tyler Toffoli, C, 21, [Scarborough, Ontario] (PR: NEW)

6’1, 196lbs

Acquired in a Trade with Winnipeg

Dealing David Backes in the summer was one of the hardest moves Dylan had made at the helm of the Panthers. The one thing that made the deal possible was getting Toffoli. The organization values him so much, that they fought to keep him out of the Toews/Kane trade. His production at the junior levels were off the charts, his first year in the AHL was just as good, and his short stint in the NHL and during the playoffs showed that he can be as lethal at the top level. This year has seen more struggles, but that offensive ability has been on display and it’s only a matter of time before it returns full time

Future: Toffoli is just a pure sniper. He might not be the strongest skater, but his physicality and drive to the night are amongst the best and can be one of the best in the league. His future with the Panthers is set for next year, as he looks to jump on to the team’s third line next year and be a key part of the offense coming from the bottom lines. Even though the top 2 lines are crowded, Toffoli will do everything to crack those top lines.