NHL Power Rankings #17: Florida Panthers
I can’t tell you how much I wanted to put the Panthers in the playoffs. They’re one of my favorite teams in the NHL. They’re so much fun to watch. They’ve got a really bright future. However, that future is probably not happening this year.
Here’s why I think the Panthers could make the NHL playoffs. They have a ton of young talent. Nick Bjugstad is a 23-year-old center with a cap hit of $4,100,000 each season for the next six seasons. Every time I see a center got locked up for huge money, Bjugstad’s NHL contract looks more impressive. Aleksander Barkov is phenomenal, especially when you consider that he’s just 20 years old. He hasn’t even become to tap into his true potential on offense and he’s already excellent defensively. Brandon Pirri, if he can stay healthy, could be a 30 goal scorer. Of course, staying on the rink has always been a bit difficult for him.
Aaron Ekblad is unbelievable. Every time I watch him play in the NHL, I have to remind myself that he’s still only 19. Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan Huberdeau should form an awesome forward line with Barkov. Roberto Luongo has mostly defied age, as he’s still a very good goalie despite his relative old age.
Here’s why I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs. I don’t think they’re experienced enough yet. They have so many great young players, but they’ll be counting on all those guys to continue to improve in order to make the playoffs. That’s asking just a tad bit too much, in my opinion.
This team is going be REALLY good in like a year or two if everything pans out for them.
Next: #16