Panthers Draft 6 Players at Least 6-1 to Fit Their System
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 27
Panthers Draft 6 Players at Least 6-1 to Fit Their System
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 27
Summary
Florida used all six of its 2026 NHL Draft picks on players 6-1 or taller, underscoring a deliberate size-first approach rather than a position-specific need.
Bill Zito said size "certainly matters" in the Panthers' system, with the class built around second-round forwards Simas Ignatavicius and Ryder Cali and highlighted by 6-8 goalie Louis-Antoine Denault.
The group also includes 6-6 defenseman Jonas Kemps plus sixth-round forwards Vilho Vanhatalo and Cole Zurawski, giving Florida size at every position it selected.
Those prospects are expected to be years away from NHL impact, but they will get their first look at the organization at development camp Monday through Thursday.
The draft strategy comes after Florida reached three straight Stanley Cup Finals and won in 2024 and 2025 before missing the playoffs last season amid injuries.