In building up to June's NHL Entry Draft, this series will look at Florida's performance in each round - from seventh to first - covering the five Drafts from 2005 through 2009, along with any players of note selected after the Panthers' pick(s) in the same round. Today we focus on Round Three.
A quartet of forwards, but a single potential standout on defense highlights this round.
2005: Ottawa, ON Florida General Manager: Mike Keenan
Panthers pick (90): F Dan Collins, Plymouth (OHL)
Currently: A former IIHF World Junior Under-18 gold medalist for the U.S. in 2005, Collins has shuffled regularly between the AHL and ECHL in subsequent years, suiting up for the Amerks as well as Florida and Johnstown of the "E". He is an RFA this summer.
Later third-round notables: None. Seriously.
2006: Vancouver, BC Florida General Manager: Mike Keenan
Panthers pick (73): F Brady Calla, Everett (WHL)
Currently: Another frequent-flyer shuttling between Estero and Rochester. An RFA following 2010-11.
Later third-round notables: None. Trivially, Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck was selected one pick earlier.
2007: Columbus, OH Florida General Manager: Jacques Martin
Panthers pick (71): F Evgeni Dadonov, Chelyabinsk (RUS)
Currently: Scored 40 points (17 goals) in 76 games with Rochester in 2009-10, his first in the AHL. Recently thought rather highly of his own efforts. Signed through 2011-12.
Later third-round notables: (72) F Drayson Bowman, CAR; (79) F Nick Palmieri, NJ; (91) G Tyson Sexsmith, SJ
2008: Ottawa, ON Florida General Manager: Jacques Martin
Panthers pick (80): D Adam Comrie, Saginaw (OHL)
Currently: A rising star - and inspiring figure - on the system's depth chart, Comrie collected 40 points (14 goals) in 68 games with Guelph in '09-10. Signed with Florida through 2012-13.
Later third-round notables: Zippo.
2009: Montreal, PQ Florida General Manager: Randy Sexton
Panthers pick (67): F Josh Birkholz, Fargo (USH)
Currently: Recently wrapped freshman season at University of Minnesota (36gp: 5g-1a-6p 20pim).
Later third-round notables: None.
ARCHIVED: Round Four - Round Five - Round Six - Round Seven