Starting Attributes: (77) 58 35 46 | 30 31 27 | 56 62 (68) | 71 60 56 | (85) > 46 29 52
Projected Atty's >>: (77) 78 85 85 | 78 70 81 | 86 78 (68) | 85 78 83 | (85) > 83 76 82
Position: Center
From: Mississauga Steelheads "A" (OHL)
Born: 1998-02-03 Mississauga, ON
Nation: Canada
H/W: 6'2 - 187
Shoots: Right
Jersey: #9
Drafted: 10th Overall (1st)
Analysis:
On a team densely populated with skill players, Florida drafts a complimentary piece to the puzzle, but sure to be a mainstay core player in the near future. The large 18-year old makes liberal use of his size and speed to force opposition and works hard in the corners. He won't be lost among the deep skill the Panthers have as his best skill is seen in puckhandling. McLeod has an all-around foundation that translate well into any situation.
Type of player: Power Forward
Line-up projection: 2nd Line Center
Comparable: Ryan Getzlaf
Noah Gregor
Starting Attributes: (66) 24 31 34 | 29 37 63 | 53 48 (86) | 55 40 36 | (73) > 29 43 46
Projected Atty's >>: (66) 86 62 76 | 83 90 88 | 83 71 (86) | 97 76 69 | (73) > 75 87 79
Position: Center
From: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Born: 1998-01-28 Beaumont, AB
Nation: Canada
H/W: 5'11 / 174
Shoots: Left
Jersey: #22
Drafted: 47th Overall (2nd)
Analysis:
After trading for this pick with next year's 2nd, Panthers take 2nd Power Forward Center in a row. A team that desperately needs defensive depth and a lot of forward prospects this is a peculiar pick, but it brings more grit to an otherwise completely skilled lineup. Gregor has a long way to go before he becomes NHL-ready but is very competitive. His best asset is his skating, but otherwise he plays very simple. A lot relies on the coaching and developing staff to bring this kid up to speed.
Type of player: Power Forward
Line-up projection: Top 9 Center
Comparable: Dustin Byfuglien
Noah Carroll
Starting Attributes: (87) 40 32 43 | 51 54 67 | 45 34 (74) | 27 74 72 | (65) > 38 57 52
Projected Atty's >>: (87) 64 64 64 | 99 96 67 | 75 67 (74) | 60 80 80 | (65) > 64 84 73
Position: Defense
From: Guelph Storm (OHL)
Born: 1997-12-02 Strathroy, ON
Nation: Canada
H/W: 6'1 / 179
Shoots: Left
Jersey: #44
Drafted: 70th Overall (3rd)
Analysis:
This pick was an auto for the Panthers. At the table after the pick was made, Wyatt downplayed the question if he was upset with the choice by saying, "I'm proud to welcome him aboard. He plays unconventionally and I think it's the next evolution of the game. The team needs what he can bring." More specifically, Carroll brings smart defensive play with offensive upside. If he reaches his potential, he'll be a prime candidate for any team's Penalty Kill. His one knock is that he refuses to hit opposing players. "It's just not my style. I'm more effective if I don't think about it." On a team with highly physical defensive players, Wyatt's acceptance of the auto picked Noah Carroll marks a change in thought in the front office.
Type of player: Stay at home defender
Line-up projection: Top 6 with No.1 PK minutes
Comparable: Diet Bouwmeester? Matt Niskanen?
