NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Florida Panthers, according to NHL.com.
How acquired: Selected with No. 24 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Charlotte (AHL): 2 GP, 0-2-2; University of Michigan (NCAA): 39 GP, 20-23-43
Samoskevich (5-foot-11, 191 pounds) flourished in his sophomore season at Michigan before signing an entry-level contract with the Panthers on May 8. The 20-year-old also played in the Calder Cup Playoffs and was an extra player for the Panthers during their run to the Cup Final last season. He will have every chance to make the opening night roster.
"I loved every second of it," Samoskevich said of last season. "I think I needed to take that step at the end of the year, and I'm glad I did. … I'd love to play down here (with the Panthers). I think that's the main goal. I don't think it's a far-fetched goal. I think I can do it. I think I can play up in the big leagues, I hope. I've been working very hard this summer. It's going well so far. I think that's the main goal, for sure."
Projected NHL arrival: This season
2. Grigori Denisenko, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 15 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
Denisenko (5-11, 186) does not have a goal in 26 NHL games the past three seasons, with 18 of those games coming last season. He also played one postseason game for the Panthers and four Calder Cup Playoff games for Charlotte last season. The 23-year-old signed a two-year, one-way contract July 1, making it more than likely he will be in the NHL this season.
"Grigori has worked incredibly hard developing in our system competing for both the Panthers and Checkers this season," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "His puck possession and maturity on the ice are tremendous and we're excited for him to re-sign with our club."
How acquired: Selected with No. 87 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Charlotte (AHL): 48 GP, 7-17-24
Sourdif (5-11, 173) should benefit from a full season in the American Hockey League after he was limited to 48 games last season because of injuries. The 21-year-old did return for the Calder Cup Playoffs, playing in all six games for Charlotte, but likely is at least a season away from the NHL and remains behind Samoskevich and Denisenko on the depth chart.
How acquired: Selected with No. 95 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: University of Denver (NCAA): 39 GP, 13-21-34
Benning (5-9, 177) signed an entry-level contract with the Panthers on April 12. In his third college season, he was third among NCAA defensemen in goals and sixth in points. The National Collegiate Hockey Conference Offensive Defenseman of the Year, Benning was named the 2022 Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player after helping Denver win the NCAA title. The 21-year-old won't begin the season with the Panthers but could make his debut later this season.
"Mike is a gifted two-way defenseman who has had an outstanding collegiate career," Zito said. "We are thrilled for him to take the next step in his career with the Panthers and look forward to his continued development within our organization."
How acquired: Selected with No. 56 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Quebec (QMJHL): 40 GP, 5-24-29
Nause (6-2, 186) helped Quebec win the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League title with nine points (five goals, four assists) in 18 playoff games and then had two assists in four games to help them win the Memorial Cup. The 20-year-old attended development camp for the second straight year and has made strides in his game.
"My overall maturity and defensive game took the biggest step this year," Nause said during development camp. "I got to play in some key games and really big moments. I think I matured physically as well and I'm just trying to continue that at the beginning of my young career."
