Welcome to State of the Panthers. This is similar to The Panther Prowler but a more in depth look. This is Part 1 of 2 of the Pre Draft Evaluation. We will evaluate the positions. In this article we will evaluate the forwards.

The Top two lines are already set. With Nick Bjugstad and Jared McCann should be definites on the third line and D-Mac on the Fourth let’s take a look at the other forwards.

Lawson Crouse- The 11th overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft by the Cats, Crouse should have a spot on the roster this year. Crouse is a big body forward with scoring ability. He didn’t look that well when I saw him at Rookie Training Camp last June but with the extra year I think he has developed. Will play in NHL

Jayce Hawryluk- Hawryluk was the 32nd overall pick in the 2014 Entry Draft by the Cats. Hawryluk’s Brandon Wheat Kings won the WHL. He and Dryden Hunt another Panthers prospect lit up the WHL. However he did suffer a Concussion in the Memorial Cup. Will play in NHL

Dryden Hunt- Hunt was signed to an Entry Level Deal at the Trade Deadline. He lit up the WHL and won its MVP award. He wasn’t picked due to Concussion concerns. I expect Hunt to get a late season shot if we struggle but I think he is a year away. No.

Logan Shaw- Shaw played most of the year with us but I expect him to be up and down next year

Rocco Grimaldi- Little Rocco will likely have another up and down year.

Greg McKegg- Up and Down

Garrett Wilson- Keep in NHL.