Draft Outlook
The Florida Panthers enter the upcoming NHL draft with a first‑round selection for the first time since 2021, a milestone that has sparked intense speculation among analysts and fans alike.
Scouts have highlighted several candidates, including forward Gavin McKenna, who is projected as a top prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and defenseman Chase Reid, who could be snapped up by the San Jose Sharks.
Among the European prospects, Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits stands out for his blend of size, skating and experience on the international stage.
Smits has logged professional minutes in Finland’s Liiga and Germany’s DEL, and he contributed to Latvia’s Olympic and World Championship campaigns, averaging nearly 19 minutes per game at the Games while being recognized as the youngest participant.
Central Scouting currently places him second among international skaters, suggesting that if he remains available, the Panthers could target him with the ninth overall pick.
The draft, scheduled for June 26 in Buffalo, will serve as a litmus test for how teams value European talent and depth at the defensive position.