How the Florida Panthers will approach the draft – Hockey Writers – Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers are entering their preseason earlier than usual. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, they missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. It is the first time in NHL history that a team that has won back-to-back titles has failed to make the postseason.

When the team traded for defenseman Seth Jones last season, they sent away a first-round pick. That pick came with a catch: protected at ten. After the team finished with the eighth-worst record in the league this season, the clause was activated, giving the team the eighth pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. With the San Jose Sharks moving up to the second pick in the draft lottery last week, that pick fell to ninth. In all, the team has seven players selected this year, with three within the first two rounds.

With that in mind, general manager Bill Zito has plenty of options at his disposal. In addition, he could have some holes in his roster, especially in the scoring department. Panthers fans have one question in mind: What will he pull out of his bag of tricks for the upcoming draft?

Trade the Ninth Pick for a Veteran Player

Zito has never shied away from trading first-round picks before, and this offseason could be no exception. Many veteran players are on expiring contracts or may be looking for a way out of their current situation.

For example, they could look to bring in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after a frustrating season. Additionally, there have been rumors swirling about Ottawa Senators forward and captain Brady Tkachuk coming down to play with his brother Matthew.

Save it and Sign Up Talent That Can Play Right Away

This year’s draft is deep in talent, making this pick incredibly important. In addition, Zito has beaten in the first round before with the likes of striker Anton Lundell.

To fix their problem between the pipes, they could select Bradley Knowing, one of the best scoring prospects to come out of the draft. In order to have some stability on their blue line, they could look to select Daxon Rudolph, who is a top defensive prospect.

The Ascension Effort Got Better Hope

Going back to the previous point, the talent drafted this year is fantastic. But as with all agencies, there are still better prospects to go early.

The team could look to a guy like defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, who is arguably the best defenseman in this draft. However, some mock drafts are said to be taken just before the top five picks. If Zito is willing to go crazy, he can build a package with a little talent, prospects, and a bunch of picks to move up to a few big spots and land a big fish.

Everything Is Pure Speculation With This Association

Over the past few seasons, the team has been throwing curveballs with what it has done with its selectors. They sent future picks to people like Brad Marchand and Claude Giroux.

But given their expectations, they may be a little hesitant to do so this time. However, they also want to keep the Cup window open for a long time. Ultimately, the decision is in the hands of the front office as to how they want their future to play out. But even if someone comes from a championship culture that emphasizes winning. Those lessons and experiences will stay with them for years to come, wherever they end up.