Last year it was London Knights goaltender Michael Houser. This year it is talented forward Vincent Trocheck who won the prestigious Red Tilson Trophy, which is given annually to the Ontario Hockey League's Most Valuable Player. The Panthers, who are not known for the NHL Draft prowess, have hit on high quality prospects in each of GM Dale Tallon's three years in Florida.
Trocheck is looking like one of the bigger steals in the 2011 Draft, with Florida picking him at the beginning of the 3rd round(64th overall)
Trocheck simply dominated the OHL this year between Saginaw and Plymouth, and has shown tremendous improvement every year of his junior career. This season was eye-popping as he ended up with 50 goals and 59 assists, with a +49 rating in 63 regular season games. He also added 10 goals and 14 assists with a +11 rating in 15 playoff games. His offensive development has to be surprising to the Panthers.
With his professional career beginning it will be interesting to see if the 19 year old can impress the coaches enough to get a legitimate shot at making the Panthers roster next year. "Our process here in Florida is all about development and that is why we didn't rush Vince into the NHL," said Florida Panthers Assistant General Manager, Mike Santos. "He'll develop at his own pace and he'll let us know when he is ready to play in the NHL and play a significant role. Obviously with his ability and character he is probably going to do that sooner than later."
As with any young player, Vince wants to be part of the NHL as soon as possible, but he is aware of what he needs to do to become a well-rounded player at the higher levels. "I’m always trying to get stronger, especially at my size," said Trocheck. "I need to work on both ends of the ice. I need to work on my defensive zone speed and be smarter in my own end. I’m focusing on defensive zone and strength a little more than everything else but still working on all aspects of my game."
A gritty, two-way forward is right up Tallon's alley, and in speaking to Trocheck it is clear he has all the qualities the Panthers are looking for in terms of on and off ice production and marketability.
The next few months will be very important for Trocheck's development, as well as chances of playing for the Panthers next year. "He'll come to development camp and work his tail off like all of our other young prospects we have," said Santos. "How he shows from there will determine where he goes for the next few weeks and then onto the pro season."
My thoughts are sky is the limit for this impressive young player. Depending on what plans Tallon has for this roster, it may be one year before there is room for Trocheck. That probably bodes well for him so he can develop further in San Antonio and possibly be called up from time to time because of injuries.
Regardless, the Panthers may have hit gold they rarely see with Vincent Trocheck, and fans in South Florida will certainly embrace him with open arms.
Dan Spiegel...
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