Our T25U25 countdown rolls on with a legacy pick who could become the Florida Panthers first-ever, second-generation skater.
#24: Riley Stillman
Position: Defenseman
Age: 20
Team: Springfield Thunderbirds (projected)
Drafted in 2016, 4th Round (114th Overall)
Defenseman Riley Stillman is a mobile, left-shooting defenseman who just completed what looks to be his final season of junior with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals and Hamilton Bulldogs. Stillman played a combined 62 regular season games and produced 34 points. After struggling in Oshawa to start the campaign, Stillman really turned things around once he joined the Bulldogs. In 33 games after being traded to Hamilton, the 20-year-posted a +22 rating. Stillman was even better in the postseason, finishing with 14 points in 21 games as his new club captured the J. Ross Robertson Cup and represented the OHL in the Memorial Cup.
The Panthers inked Stillman to an entry-level contract on March 4. The prospect blueliner has filled out a bit and gotten stronger since being drafted, but his main strength remains his skating. Stillman uses his speed to maintain good gap control and is hard to beat in one-on-one situations. His strong showing in Hamilton means he could have more offensive potential than originally thought. Look for Stillman to spend at least a year with the Springfield Thunderbirds to adjust to the professional game.
What Do You Think Of Stillman’s Ranking?
| Too High | 2 |
| Too Low | 17 |
| Just Right | 24 |