Acquired: 31st overall pick in 2013

2015-16 Stats: Boston College (NCAA) 40 GP, 6 G, 15 A, 21 PTS

In May of 2016, the Panthers signed Ian McCoshen to an ELC and traded away physical defenseman Erik Gudbranson a trade that upset many. Now McCoshen is in a way like Gudbranson, he is physical. He had 86 PIM last year. Now he also has more of an offensive upside. When you see McCoshen just think of a more offensive Erik Gudbranson.

Road to the NHL: McCoshen making the NHL in 2016-17 depends on the Panthers feelings about Jakub Kindl and Steven Kampfer. Kindl should be easy but Kampfer not that easy. I believe though that Kampfer has had enough chances and hasn’t fully proved himself while Kindl just doesn’t do well. McCoshen should slide in as the 7th Defenseman because I think management will try and get rid of Kindl and Kampfer to make way for prospects such as him, Hultstrom and others who want a role. Matheson already earned a Top 4 role. I do think he will start in the AHL and if Kindl or Kampfer aren’t doing well, then he will be called up. But we do need toughness right away and he fits that bill.

Projected NHL Arrival: 2016-17

NHL Future: He should fit in as the 7th Defenseman for 2016-17, then in 2017-18 he will likely get a top 6 job. I would compare him to Petrovic but McCoshen is better at fighting. I think he has the potential for a Top 4 Role.

Probability of Success: Due to his offensive bill and his great physicality he is a more evolved Gudbranson so an A- isn’t a stretch.