Prior to the draft, which was moved back several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most analysts had Smilanic tabbed as a projected second-round pick with upside, with TSN insider Bob McKenzie placing him 39th in his own rankings.
And although he didn't hear his name called in the first two rounds like so many thought he would, Smilanic has turned that tumble into a chip on his shoulder.
"I'm even more motivated now, especially because of sliding in the draft," Smilanic said after the draft. "I take that as a chance to grow as a person and grow as a player and hopefully be a big part of the Florida Panthers success down the road."
Playing a solid two-way game, Smilanic uses his long reach to break up passes in the defensive end. He also has a high motor, which allows him to impact both ends of the ice. In the offensive end, his biggest strength is his skating ability, as he projects to evolve into a smooth-skating power forward at the next level.
Prior to the draft, Smilanic spent his 2019-2020 season with the United States National Team Development Program (USNDTP). Although he was limited by injuries throughout the year, he still managed to put up a respectable 10 goals and 21 assists in 46 games. Overall, as a kid from Denver, Colorado, the opportunity to wear the Red, White and Blue was an experience he cherished.
"The coolest part about it all was that I got to represent my country," Smilanic said of his time with the USNTDP. "I got to do that every day for two years. That's an awesome feeling. Now, I feel since I was there, I got to develop as a player."
Despite falling lower than projected in the draft, Smilanic did still make his mark as the highest selected Quinnipiac player in the history of the NHL Draft.
"That's a cool feeling," Smilanic said. "It's a great group of guys right now. I look at my phone and I think every single one of my teammates texted and congratulated me. The culture they have here at Quinnipiac is unbelievable. To be the highest-drafted player from Quinnipiac is cool, but it also shows their movement [as a school]."
Benefitting from Smilanic's arrival, Quinnipiac is also having a great season.
As one of 16 teams to qualify for the 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Championship, the Bobcats will begin their push for a championship when they face off against Minnesota State in the first round of the tournament on March 27.
\Photo Credit: Rob Rasmussen*
