Florida Panthers World Juniors Preview

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1374 days ago

With Christmas behind us now, it is time for a Florida Panthers World Juniors preview. The tournament starts on Dec.26, and runs into the new year. Find out which Panthers players to keep an eye on:

Florida Panthers World Junior Preview: Players to Watch

Spencer Knight

Spencer Knight is a goalie that the Florida Panthers selected 13^th overall in the 2019 NHL draft. The Connecticut native was part of the American team at last year’s tournament, but he was the 3rd goalie and did not see significant playing time. This year though, he is expected to get big minutes for the American team. Knight was sent down by the Panthers after his first NHL training camp, joining Boston College as their starting goalie. Knight is having a great year playing in the NCAA, posting a .940 save percentage with a 1.73 GAA. These are solid numbers that the American team is hoping can propel them forward in this years tournament.

Grigori Denisenko

Grigori Denisenko is a Russian forward that the Panthers selected with the 15^th overall pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft. The 19 year old Denisenko is a returning player to the tournament, having put up an impressive 9 points in 7 games in last years tournament for Team Russia. He is currently playing with men in the KHL as a member of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, but has only chipped in 8 points in 24 games so far this season. This tournament could be a great opportunity for Denisenko to break out, as he is likely to get more minutes for Team Russia then he is currently getting in the KHL.

Justin Schutz

Justin Schutz is a German player that the Panthers selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL entry draft. Germany is not a country that typically produces NHL level talent. Now with guys like Leon Draisaitl now making an impact, doors are opening for players like Schutz. Schutz is currently playing for EHC Munchen in the DEL, which is the German professional league. He has put up 10 points in 25 games this year. Much like Denisenko, more playing time and a bigger role should help the German shine.