Comments / New

Panthers look to the USHL, take Christopher Wilkie in sixth round

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon has taken a number of players committed to play for the University of North Dakota, and has to hope that Tri-City Storm forward Christopher Wilkie follows the trend of Rocco Grimaldi and Corban Knight, and becomes a quality prospect with solid NHL potential.

Stats from Elite Prospects:

Here’s his scouting report from Future Considerations:

Wilkie is a fleet footed prospect who is up to top speed in a flash, controls the puck well and has a solid shot. So shifty on his feet, he can make a defender look foolish and thread the needle with a strong pass all in a split second. His effort levels are inconsistent but when he is on he can be a difference maker. (November 2013)

Overall, a pretty good selection, though Nikita Korostelev is STILL available. At this point, I highly doubt the Russian forward even gets drafted, despite the fact that he has the talents to produce at the NHL level.

Wilkie’s NHL potential isn’t very high, but if he pans out, he’ll be a solid third line player for the Cats, and might even force himself into the top six. Though unlikely, it’s still possible, and that possibility is what made the Panthers take the winger 162nd overall.

Talking Points