PROSPECTS: 'Now the real work starts' for Luke Coughlin

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. - After being selected by the Florida Panthers in the sixth round (191st overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft, Luke Coughlin is taking it all in at his first development camp.

"It feels amazing," Coughlin said after an on-ice session this week at the Panthers IceDen. "It's been a long time coming. Since the draft, a lot of anticipation, nerves, and excitement as well. To finally be here and see everyone and the facilities, it's been amazing. I am young guy coming into camp with some older fellas, so [I want to] see their pro habits, learn from the coaches, be a sponge and learn as much as I can in the short time we're here."

The Prince Edward Island native started his 2022-23 campaign with an injury, but finished the season strong by putting up 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists) in 37 games and seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in nine playoff games.

"It's never good to start the season with an injury, but I thought I bounced back," Coughlin said. "I worked hard off the ice to get rehabbed, and when I jumped back on the ice I felt like I was in full swing. I liked my playoffs and the last 10 games going into playoffs, so I'm going to carry that into next season, for sure."

Coughlin's skill impressed Florida's front office, but he almost missed his name on draft day.

"I went golfing with one of my best buddies in the morning, then came home and sat down by the TV with my mother and father," said Coughlin, who wasn't sure he'd even be selected. "I saw my name pop up on the board, but didn't actually hear it. I heard Rimouski Oceanic and then my mother started screaming and it was a dream come true. It's what I've been working towards my whole life. Since I was a little kid I've dreamed of it. It's something on the road in my hockey career and amazing to have in my back pocket, but now I know the real work is just starting."

Among all the new faces joining Coughlin at this summer's camp is a familiar face that the Rimouski defenseman has faced off against multiple times in the QMJHL the past two seasons.

"I've played against Evan Nause," he said. "He played for the Quebec Ramparts. I played for Rimouski, so were in the same division in the QMJHL. Other than that, a lot of new faces. I've heard a lot of guys names, but seeing and being with them on the ice, it's cool."

While Coughlin has been soaking up the experience on the ice, he's also been able to soak up the summer sun in South Florida with the rest of the prospects.

"It's not too bad at all [staying on the beach]," said Coughlin. "Where I come from in PEI, it's a big difference in terms of sizes of the buildings. We're right downtown and the buildings are towering. Just to be right on the water, the atmosphere, how hot it is down here, you step outside and you're sweating. I love it."

Enjoying his time on and off the ice during camp, the 18-year-old has had quite the experience so far.

"A lot of emotions, for sure" Coughlin said. "To be here, I wouldn't say it has sunk in yet. I've been here for a few days now, so I'm sure in the upcoming days it will sink in. There's lots of nerves, but lots of excitement. It's amazing to be here and put the work in with these fellas."

With one camp already in the books, the work, as he said, is only just getting started.