In my new Means to Be Successful series I will look at 17 players who undoubtedly will be on the Panthers opening night roster and what they need to do to have a successful season. The order I did it is completely random. Let’s get started.

Vincent Trocheck (Center)

Photo Credit to: http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/2016/03/14/mar-14-nhl-three-stars-what-are-they-using/

Role: 2nd Line Center

Stats From Last Year: 82 Games (1st); 23 Goals (2nd); 31 Assists (1st); 54 Points (1st)  Note: Rankings are based from his career stats

Career Stats: 228 Games; 60 Goals; 77 Assists; 133 Points

Contract: 2nd year of a 6 year $4.75M AAV deal

Cash Per Point (AAV/Points): $87,962.96

Trocheck didn’t disappoint last year as he turned it up a notch. With an injury to top line center Aleksander Barkov, Trocheck stepped up and delivered and also became an all-star. Trocheck also played gritty and got under skins of his opponents. Trocheck took beating after beating and trooped on in a difficult season. Trocheck was remarkable last year and will hopefully continue at this pace.

Stats Needed to be Successful (Based on 75+ games): 25 Goals; 30 Assists; 55 Points

Trocheck will hopefully continue to light up the scoresheet. Trocheck has proven himself to be a core player and 55 points will solidify him as a legitimate threat in the Panthers lineup.

Percentage to Make It (What I think): 91%. Trocheck isn’t easy to keep out of the lineup and Radim Vrbata will be a nice fit on his wing. Under new coach Bob Boughner, Trocheck should thrive in a two way game and I expect him to meet the expectations I set for him.

 

Colton Sceviour (F)

Photo Credit: https://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/10/30/sceviours-hat-trick-leads-panthers-past-red-wings-5-2/

Role: Bottom 6 All Around Forward

Stats from Last Year: 80 Games (1st); 9 Goals (T-2nd); 15 Assists (2nd); 24 Points (2nd)

Career Stats: 250 GP; 37 G; 49 A; 86 PTS

Contract: 2nd Year of a 2 year deal with an AAV of $950,000

Cash Per Point: $39,583.33

Colton Sceviour got off to a hot start and disappeared for a long time. The penalty killer was instrumental in the Panthers 2nd best Penalty Kill in the league. Sceviour put up numbers that were expected in his role.

Stats he Should Get in 75+ GP: 11 Goals; 16 Assists; 27 Points

Percentage to Make It: 65%. This is his year. He will likely be playing for a pay day. Hopefully he should see some time on the third line and maybe the second. He is also a great option to step up in the Top 6 in case of an injury. Sceviour should meet expectations.

 

Mark Pysyk (D)

Photo Credit: http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Mark+Pysyk/Jonas+Brodin

Role: Top 6 Defenseman

Stats from Last Year: 82 GP (1st); 4 G (1st); 13 A (1st); 17 PTS (1st); +/- 0 (2nd)

Career Stats: 207 GP; 9-34-43 -15

Contract: 1st year of a 3 year $2.73M AAV deal

Cash Per Point: (Last Year AAV- $1.125M) $66,176.47

Mark Pysyk was the team’s best defensive defenseman last year as he was one of the only defenseman whose +/- wasn’t in the negative. With a better defensive core and hopefully he gets a consistent partner, Pysyk should thrive next year.

Expectations in 75+ GP: 5 G; 13 A; 18 PTS; +3

Chance to Make It: 58%. Pysyk should continue on this scoring trek and with more solid defensive play and a solid defense under coach Bob Boughner, Pysyk should be a plus next year.