Panthers Draft Ryder Cali 48th Overall – Hockey Writers – Florida Panthers

With the 48th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers selected Ryder Cali from the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

About Ryder Cali

Ryder Cali has all the tools to be the player coaches rely on in the playoffs for energy and a change of pace. He likely won’t develop into a top-six scoring threat, but he’s an anchor for a screening line that can score 15-20 goals, play on the second unit’s power play and kill penalties. His ability to look ahead, win battles around the boards and use his size to his advantage should one day make him an important part of a Stanley Cup contender.

Cali did not hit anyone with his stats this season with the North Bay Battalion. He finished with 16 points and 36 points in 47 games and four points in the playoffs, but as Lukas Bernasiewicz said in his draft profile, most of what he does isn’t on the scoreboard. He also qualified for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, earning five assists. He will leave the OHL next season to play for Providence College in the NCAA.

Excerpt from THW’s profile

“Cali has played with many different players this season, but as of now, while the Battalion is in the playoffs, he is focused on the Anaheim Ducks who will get Ethan Procyszyn and Nick Wellenreiter. The line is a clear line to drive for the Battalion and their top offensive unit. Cali has also found himself in the Buttalion power slot.

“That’s one of Cali’s strongest attributes. Standing at 6-foot-2, he’s very good on the offensive end in probing and putting pressure on defensemen. He’s good at winning puck battles and has the ability to get past players to get open. He likes to find open spaces in front of the net to get those goals in, get open and get his feet on the board and get the shot off the net.”

“For a notable player on the offensive end, Cali has an understated speed, which he shows when he tries to get back on defense. In the event that the puck quickly or unexpectedly goes back the other way towards the end of North Bay, Cali often shows his wheels and moves to try to get back to the area to block the opportunity to fight. Many times, he is able to succeed.

“Cali brings a lot of things underneath his game, things that don’t show up on the score sheet but you can only see when you watch him in person. His size will draw attention to him, and when teams see what he can do on the ice, they’ll really like what he brings to an NHL team. Cali will be taken on Day 2 most likely, but over time, teams will be kicking and tougher to avoid his potential.”

Read on for the full player profile here.

How This Affects the Panthers’ Programs

Cali is the Panthers pick. The Panthers system has a lot of power, strong forwards and is tough to play against; everything Cali is. If he hits his ceiling, he will be the anchor of the middle line and possibly the reason the Panthers win another Stanley Cup.