The Florida Panthers announced their 39-man roster and schedule for its Development Camp, which takes place July 8-11 and culminates in a scrimmage open to the public.
The open scrimmage will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.
Florida’s roster of prospects is made up of 22 forwards, 11 defensemen and six goaltenders. It features selections from the Panthers’ last five NHL drafts and additional invitees ranging from ages 18-25. The prospects are getting their first taste of practice in a NHL facility coming from the NCAA, junior leagues and Florida’s minor-league organizations.
Gracyn Sawchyn, the Panthers’ most recent first-round draft selection in 2023, will attend camp after spending last season in the Western Hockey League. Joining him is forward Jack Devine, a two-time NCAA Champion who just finished his senior season at the University of Denver. Kai Schwindt rounds out the top end of the roster after scoring 23 points in 33 games this season in the Ontario Hockey League.
Maybe the most notable aspect of the roster is who’s excluded: 21-year-old forward Mackie Samsokevich. He’s expected to play his first full season with Florida this year after the Panthers’ look to fill gaps in their lower lines. Bypassing development camp could be a sign of confidence from the team.
Development camp doesn’t indicate who will make Florida’s roster in the fall, but could earn young players an invite to training camp with the full team. It will also serve as a chance for hockey-hungry fans to see potential future Panthers on the ice.
