2025-26 Florida Panthers Top Prospects

McKeen’s Hockey
Apr. 25th, 2026
Scott Wheeler
The Athletic
Mar. 9th, 2026
Tom Gulitti
NHL.com
Aug. 11th, 2025
James Connelly
Dobber Prospects
Aug. 12th, 2025
1 Jack Devine (RW) Jack Devine (RW) Matvei Shuravin (D) Mackie Samoskevich
2 Gracyn Sawchyn (C) Marek Alscher (LHD) Jack Devine (F) Gracyn Sawchyn
3 Sandis Vilmanis (LW) Kirill Gerasimyuk (G) Mikulas Hovorka (D) Jack Devine
4 Linus Eriksson (C) Linus Eriksson (C) Linus Eriksson (F) Daniil Tarasov
5 Shea Busch (LW) Gracyn Sawchyn (C) Mike Benning (D) Linus Eriksson
6 Matvei Shuravin (LHD) Stepan Gorbunov (C) Michael Benning
7 Marek Alscher (LHD) Hunter St. Martin (LW/RW) Matvei Shuravin
8 Kirill Gerasimyuk (G) Shea Busch (LW) Arvid Drott
9 Mike Benning (RHD) Sandis Vilmanis (LW) Sandis Vilmanis
10 Simon Zether (C) Simon Zether (C) Mads Kongsbak Klyvo

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Jack Devine – Devine’s game is built around anticipation, vision, and puck distribution rather than elite skating or physicality. He sees plays develop before most players and excels at creating opportunities for teammates. The biggest question is whether his average foot speed and modest physical game will limit him at the NHL level. At this point, he projects as a middle-six offensive forward who could become a useful power-play contributor if his skating continues to improve.

Linus Eriksson – Eriksson is not a flashy offensive player, but he is extremely intelligent and reliable in all three zones. Coaches trust him in defensive situations, on faceoffs, and on the penalty kill because he consistently makes smart decisions with and without the puck. His offensive upside may not be elite, but his combination of hockey IQ, responsibility, and positional awareness gives him a high floor.

Gracyn Sawchyn – The undersized but highly skilled forward was one of the WHL’s most productive players before turning professional and has already shown encouraging signs in the AHL. Sawchyn’s greatest strengths are his creativity, speed, puck skills, and relentless work ethic. He attacks defenders aggressively, plays with energy every shift, and has the vision to create scoring chances off the rush. His size remains the biggest concern, as he will need to continue adding strength to handle NHL competition. Defensively, he is still learning the details of the pro game, particularly if he remains at center.

Marek Alscher – Has quietly developed into one of Florida’s most dependable defensive prospects. The Czech defenseman earned his first NHL games during the 2025-26 season after establishing himself as a reliable presence with Charlotte. Standing over 6-foot-3 and possessing solid mobility, Alscher’s game is built around defensive awareness, positioning, and physical play. He closes gaps effectively, wins battles along the boards, and consistently makes safe decisions with the puck.

Kirill Gerasimyuk – Gerasimyuk remains one of the more interesting wild cards in the Panthers system. The Russian goaltender has gradually adapted to North American hockey after developing overseas and has shown flashes of NHL-caliber athleticism. Gerasimyuk moves well laterally, tracks pucks effectively, and possesses quick hands that allow him to make difficult reaction saves. His calm demeanor in the crease is another positive trait that scouts frequently mention.

2026 Florida Panthers Draft Picks

Round No. Player Pos. Team Ht. Wt.
2 40 Simas Ignatavicius RW Geneve (SWI) 6′ 2″ 201
2 48 Ryder Cali C North Bay (OHL) 6′ 2″ 214
4 98 Jonas Kemps D Chicago (USHL) 6′ 6″ 195
6 168 Vilho Vanhatalo RW Tappara Jr (FIN Jr) 6′ 3″ 194
6 181 Cole Zurawski RW Owen Sound (OHL) 6′ 1″ 188
7 217 Louis-Antoine Denault G Newfoundland (QMJHL) 6′ 8″ 210

We had to restart our X account. Please follow @MyNHLRumorsX

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.

If you love our reporting, choose NHLrumors.com as a preferred source on Google.

2025-26 Critical Dates

Apr. 16: Regular Season Ends
Apr. 18: Stanley Cup Playoffs begin
May 5th?: 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
June 21: Last possible day for 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs
June 26-27: 2026 NHL Draft
July 1: Free agency begins (12 p.m. ET)