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Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Florida Panthers
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First-round picks: No. 4
2000-01 record: 22-38-13-9, 66 points (27th overall)
What they need
The Panthers' future between the pipes is set with Roberto Luongo. After Pavel Bure, there's not much in the way of offense. After shoring up the forward spot, it wouldn't hurt to add more depth on the blueline in Florida.
In the system
Florida used its first pick last year (58th overall) on defenseman Vladimir Sapozhnikov. The big (6-feet-3, 205 pounds) defender was drafted out of the Russian League and could makde the big club this season. Defenseman Kyle Rossiter (30th overall in '98), of the WHL's Spokane Chiefs, has a good chance of making the team next season.
The prospects, however, don't look as promising at forward. Right wing Denis Shvidki (12th overall in '99) will be given more playing time this season after appearing in just 41 games for the Panthers as a rookie. He scored 41 goals and 106 points in 61 games for Barrie of the Ontario League two seasons ago. Another scoring threat, right wing Ivan Novoseltsev (95th overall in '97) will also see more ice time after playing in 38 games in Florida last season. Right wings Robert Fried (77th overall last year out of Deerfield Academy) and Sean O'Connor (82nd overall last year out of the Western League) could make an impact down the road.
Recent draft history
The Panthers did not have a first-round pick last year for the second time in three seasons. Florida has taken just one defenseman in the first round -- Ed Jovanovski (1994), who is now with Vancouver.
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