The Journey: Panther Power

 

Matheson and McCoshen, a pair of Panther prospects who warrant your attention.

 

In this past week's prospects ramblings, I mentioned a possible scenario in which the Florida Panthers could land Toronto sniper Phil Kessel at the trade deadline. It is no secret that the Panthers are making a push for that second and final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and General Manager Dale Tallon seems ready to pull the trigger on a deal that could get the Cats into the postseason. In this edition of The Journey, I'll look at two Panthers prospects who could potentially get the conversation started.

 

MIKE MATHESON – Defenseman for Boston College

 

The current Boston College captain was selected with the 23^rd overall pick by the Florida Panthers in 2012. At just 21 years of age, he is considered the second best prospect behind current rookie and potential Calder Trophy candidate Aaron Ekblad. Matheson is everything you want in a player; his skill level is on the rise and his exceptional character is without question. The role of captain is not new to Matheson as he was the leader of the Lac Saint-Louis Lions midget AAA hockey team in Quebec. In two seasons for the Lions, the blueliner recorded 19 goals and 30 assists in 65 games and was selected by Shawinigan with the 27^th overall pick in the 2010 QMJHL Entry Draft. After having committed to playing at Boston College starting in 2012-13, Matheson decided to play one year of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. During that 2011-12 season, Matheson led defensemen with 11 goals and 16 assists in 53 games.

 

After being ranked the 30^th best North American skater at the NHL Draft Combine, he was drafted in the first round of the NHL Draft by Florida, just ahead of his freshman season at Boston College. Matheson led the Eagles defenders in points that season with 25 in 36 games and helped BC to a second place finish in Hockey East. He was again the team's top defenseman in scoring in his sophomore season by recording 21 points in 38 games while helping to carry the team to the Frozen Four where they eventually lost to Shayne Gostisbehere and Union College in the semifinals.

 

Now in his third year at Boston College, he has scored two goals and 17 assists in 32 games as the Eagles currently sit second in Hockey East are the ninth ranked team in the country. Matheson has exceptional offensive abilities and really was able to shine while playing behind superstars such as Johnny Gaudreau, who is having himself a season with Calgary in the NHL. With a changing roster, he has learned to play better in his own zone and is slowly becoming the complete player the Panthers drafted him to be. Other than using his body a bit more, he has all the tools needed to make the jump to professional hockey. In my estimation and projection, he will likely become a 35-40-point-per-year scorer while playing alongside Ekblad. NHL clubs looking to sell should target Matheson before Monday's deadline as he has the potential to be a franchise player. Though he still has one season of college eligibility left, he should be on the radar in ALL keeper leagues as he is going to be the real deal once he turns pro, which could happen after this season. Where this occurs remains to be seen, but Panthers fans (and I) anticipate it happening in South Florida.

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: second ranked Florida Panthers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: B-

Pros: offensive skill, solid fundamentals, leadership and character

Cons: physicality, defensive play

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 2 years (1 college, 1 minors OR 2 minors)

 

 

Dobber Prospect Rank: seventh ranked Florida Panthers prospect

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Pros: howitzer of a shot, quick, size, defensive game

Cons: physicality, offensive play

 

Anticipated NHL Arrival: 3 years (1 college, 2 minors)