The Florida Panthers didn't find much success during the 2013 season, as the club finished with the lowest point total of any other NHL team. When it came to the draft lottery, the team struck out again as the Colorado Avalanche were awarded the No. 1 overall pick.
NHL Draft 2013: Panthers want NHL-ready prospect, open to trading pick
The Florida Panthers currently hold the No. 2 overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft. General Manager Dale Tallon addressed what the team hopes to do with the pick.
Bruce Bennett
While the Panthers haven’t had much luck of late, general manager Dale Tallon is hoping their fortunes change with the No. 2 pick in June’s draft. Tallon stated on Wednesday night that he is hoping the franchise can select a player who is able to play with the team next season, via NHL.com:
“We’re going to be a young team. It’s going to be a necessary part of our puzzle moving forward. I would hope the guy we select can play for us next year.”
In most projections, Seth Jones, Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin are considered the top three prospects in this year’s class. With that in mind, one of those payers will likely end up in Florida next season.
For more on the Panthers visit: Litter Box Cats
However, Tallon isn’t opposed to potentially using the pick in other ways. Colorado has already expressed an interest in moving the No. 1 selection. Tallon didn’t openly say he would shop the pick, but he was open to the possibility of it:
“You just don’t know until you get to the table, and what leads up to it or precedes it as far as moving back or moving up. Usually what you do is you identify a line in the sand, and if this guy is still available then you might move forward and package a deal to move up, or if they fall behind the line than maybe you move back and pick up an asset. Just depends on how the draft really falls in.”
The 2013 NHL Draft will be held at Prudential Center in New Jersey on June 30. All seven rounds will take place on that day.
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