With only five picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers came away with the below draft class:
It seems like Gracyn Sawchyn was the big “get… for the Panthers this draft. Per the Cats’ website, here is a brief summary of him:
“Position: C
DOB: Jan. 19, 2005 (Grande Prairie, Alberta)
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 165 lbs.
Shoots: Right
2022-23 Team: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
The Panthers made a splash with their first pick.
Considered by pundits as potential late first-round pick based on numerous rankings leading up to the draft, Sawchyn somehow fell into the lap of the Panthers at the end of the second round.
"It worked out for us," said Zito, who explored trading up to avoid missing out on the pick.
After watching the Panthers throughout their run to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, Sawchyn, who talked to Florida "multiple times" prior to the draft, said he's excited to join a team on the rise.
"Obviously they made a good run this year," said Sawchyn, who's looking forward to his first trip to the Sunshine State. "Great team. Looks like a lot of fun. It's Florida. I'm super excited."
An elite puck-handler and skilled passer, Sawchyn's flashes are as bright as they come and his ceiling certainly appears to be higher than most players you'd find in this spot. But at same time, the 18-year-old forward isn't all just about highlight-reel plays. His game also has an edge to it.
"I think I bring a lot of skill along with a lot of compete and grit," said Sawchyn, who pointed out the similarities between that sort of mentality and the new-look playstyle of the Panthers. "I think that's a big thing that separates me from other players is that grit along with that skill."
Producing at a point-per-game clip during his first season in the WHL, Sawchyn registered 58 points (18 goals, 40 assists) in 58 games. Playing a key role in helping the Thunderbirds win the 2023 WHL Championship, he logged 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff games.
In Game 4 of the WHL Final, Sawchyn produced a goal and an assist to earn first-star honors and guide Seattle to a 4-2 win and a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Winnipeg Ice.
"Long runs, long seasons, that's a big part of [growing]," Sawchyn said.
What makes Sawchyn's numbers during his debut season in the WHL even more impressive is the fact that he wasn't event typically playing within the team's top-six. Loaded up front, Seattle boasted seven drafted players on its roster, including a trio of players taken in the first round.
Yet, Sawchyn was still able to stand out from the crowd.
‘Every team has a chance to pick what they need," he said. "I'm glad I went to Florida.’… _________________
Congrats to the new young guns…and get ready for the real party to start on Saturday when the Free Agent Frenzy opens up.
The Cats know they have to make some moves, so let’s see what they do.
C’mon Bertuzzi and a legit defenseman (or two)…ha!