#FlaPanthers draft moments, plus tonight’s pick

BY BILL WHITEHEAD

Sadly really, this piece doesn’t have the dateline “BUFFALO, N.Y.” leading it, but that’s the result of having other sports in full swing as the summer unfolds. Ever since the Florida Panthers’ brass decided to draft Jonathan Huberdeau five years ago, I’ve usually spent this week in the summer away from the oppressive South Florida heat and at the host site of the NHL Draft.

Until tonight.

For the just the second time since 2011, I won’t be at the draft as teams make deals on the floor of an arena and shape their future. I missed the draft two years ago in New Jersey – aka, The Barkov Draft – but that one was a real mess anyway, with too much back and forth from Newark to NYC. A bad experience other than snagging Barkov, of course – a brilliant move by Dale Tallon as the lure of Seth Jones and Jonathan Drouin hung in the Jersey air.

The draft has been extremely rewarding to the Florida Panthers in the eight years I’ve been covering the team, but that’s usually what happens when your club is floundering. This year is similar to 2012, though, when the Cats actually drafted after the Chicago Blackhawks in Pittsburgh and selected Michael Matheson. I make the Chicago reference because I really had my eye on Teuvo Teravainen at that draft, and he’s been in the news lately.

There are a lot of those moments, though, in the time I’ve covered the draft.

I chatted with a friend as I rode the Light Rail in the Twin Cities, hoping Rocco Grimaldi would be available early in the second round after Florida chose Huberdeau the previous night. Grimaldi was there – the consensus was he was another first-rounder who just happened to be in the second round – and Tallon pounced when the 33^rd selection came up.

Yesterday, he was traded, ending the Rocco Era in Sunrise.

Florida also made the 64^th pick that day. We interviewed the young forward, who naturally had South Florida ties (they all do, it seems, though it’s usually through retired grandparents), liked what he had to say and went on our way. As I walked away, a scout said to me, “Keep your eye on him, he’ll be a good one.”

Yeah, he was probably right. Vincent Trocheck has been better than good; he’s been outstanding. And Kyle Rau, chosen at No. 91 that day, has a great chance to do with this team what Grimaldi couldn’t.

The same anticipation of watching these new prospects become a part of the organization and develop moved to Pittsburgh, where Matheson joined the fray. And from the Barkov Draft, second-round pick Ian McCoshen, who recently signed an ELC, could make an impression at rookie camp with bottom-pairing spots on the blue line up for grabs.

Florida chose the big prize in 2014, getting love from Philadelphia in the form of star defenseman Aaron Ekblad. I stayed up late that Friday night wondering who Florida would choose with the second pick on the next day when Round 2 began. Buffalo had the first pick, and the anticipation of the second round is indescribable because clubs selecting early have those “fallers” like Grimaldi just sitting there waiting to hear their names called.

Brendan Lemieux, goalie Thatcher Demko and Ivan Barbashev were the hot names, and I was keen on the latter, despite Tallon rarely selecting high-profile Russian players. I chatted with friends on Twitter about who to take, and most agreed on Barbashev but didn’t think Tallon would do it.

The next day Tallon followed up on a promise he made to Jayce Hawryluk, taking him and leaving us in the media with a great interview. Like Demko, who was a media darling in the prospect interviews, Hawryluk was very open and immediately likable. He talked about his village of a hometown and the hotly contested pick-up games he played with his older brothers, aggravating matches that often left him frustrated but determined to win the next time.

It was obvious to see that while this kid’s pest-like quality will likely lead to him being disliked by opposing teams and fans in the NHL, maybe to a Brad Marchand-like degree, Panthers jerseys sporting his name will be prominent at BB&T Center at some point. Especially if he keeps developing like he did these last few seasons in Brandon.

In fact, when speaking of that anticipation that comes with prospects maturing, are there two more we’re eagerly awaiting to see make it than Hawryluk and last year’s first-round Lawson Crouse?

As for tonight, I won’t fib and pretend I know too much about this draft. Like in Pittsburgh, there’s a tad less excitement when Florida picks this late; however, that’s the price of progress and success. But that old anticipation and anxiety will surface when the Cats’ selection comes up.

If I had two longshots, I’d go with Val-d’Or power forward Julien Gauthier or Wisconsin Badgers center Luke Kunin, both dynamic offensive players but who likely won’t be around if the Panthers stay at No. 23. Either would be excellent additions. Since draft analysis usually deals in hyperbolic comparisons, Gauthier reminds some of Rick Nash while Kunin is a Dylan Larkin clone.

So here we go: “With the 23^rd pick, the Florida Panthers select…Alex DeBrincat, from the OHL’s Erie Otters.”

Russian-born Vitali Abramov, also a right winger like the American DeBrincat, is super skillful and dazzling at times, but it’s hard to pass on a player like DeBrincat, who has produced consecutive 50-goal seasons.

The 5-foot-7 winger has scored 102 goals in his last two seasons. USA Today hockey writer Kevin Allen said he “might be the niftiest goal scorer in the draft.” He’s feisty, tenacious and a good skater, and oddly, most don’t mention his size as a liability. He outskates and outworks much bigger players, and he just scores and scores and scores.

Did I mention those back-to-back 50-goal seasons?

DeBrincat.

Scores.

Goals.

That would have me anticipating even more – despite not being in Buffalo.

**Follow Bill on Twitter @BillWhiteheadFL and in newspapers at TCPalm.com

No Room for Grimaldi Right Now With Cats

By Bill Whitehead

As stunning as the news was last Tuesday that Rocco Grimaldi was being called up from San Antonio so he could help out in Los Angeles, the word Sunday that he had been sent back down was, well, non-stunning. After sparking a rally in Nashville that helped the Panthers shock the Music City faithful and had them staying a little later at Bridgestone Arena than expected, the Cats decided to ship Grimaldi back to the AHL.

No surprise there.

First, understanding the connection with Grimaldi is necessary. The first NHL Draft that I covered was the 2011 one in St. Paul, a weekend that produced Calder Trophy-winning rookie Jonathan Huberdeau, Grimaldi in a second-day shocker, Vincent Trocheck and other exciting prospects like Kyle Rau, Jonathan Racine, Yaroslav Kosov and Logan Shaw.

Being drawn to and liking the 5-foot-6 Grimaldi, a polite, forthright, devout son of parents in law enforcement, proved to be as easy as Florida GM Dale Tallon picking the California native with the 33^rd selection overall. Grimaldi was cordial in speaking with the media, had a plan of playing in college at North Dakota and expected to be with the Panthers after that. The one word I left Minnesota with to describe Grimaldi after talking to him was “determined,” which probably has plenty to do with his upbringing, skill level and competitive spirit, perhaps due to his physical stature.

Fans loved him and lined up to meet the 21-year-old forward in camp. His play in the preseason on a line with close friend Trocheck (read about their friendship) and Quinton Howden had fans loving him even more. His play in seven NHL games so far has only fortified Cats fans’ opinions, and their ire at him being sent down again is justified.

But there’s just no room on this roster.

The injured forwards who traveled with the Panthers on their recent 2-1-1 road swing against Western Conference playoff teams are getting healthy. Sean Bergenheim, Brandon Pirri and Dave Bolland all skated and appear close to returning. Bolland has been day-to-day since being injured in the season’s fourth game – Gerard Gallant’s first win – on Oct. 17 in Buffalo. Florida was 1-2-1 after that Roberto Luongo 1-0 shutout; they’re now 7-5-6. That’s how long Bolland has been out.

Yet Bolland has to play. He wasn’t brought in by Tallon just to mentor upstarts Grimaldi and Trocheck at practice and sit in the press box on game night. Earning $5.5 million this year and also the next four, No. 63 must be on the ice. His contract and keen ability to be injury-prone may irk fans, but has he been bad for Florida so far? A fair assessment can’t be made over four games played – four games, mind you, where the Cats were deplorable, when everyone thought the sky was falling, and when all talk of the Panthers around the league usually ended with “McDavid Sweepstakes.”

Bergenheim needs to be in, too. He scored the only goal in that Buffalo win, and when healthy – a big assumption – he’s productive. Same with Pirri, who Heimlich Maneuvered the club when the offense was gagging on early-season fumbling and bumbling. The healthy ones are making their cases as well. Tomas Kopecky contributes a ton, while Tomas Fleischmann played his best hockey at the end of the road trip. Scottie Upshall, who missed the last two games, is an emotional player who leaves it all on the ice, often with good results.

It’s a forward-filled roster that’s bursting at the seams. It’s like a fat man after a cheap lunch-time buffet: swelled, plump, and with few options.

Grimaldi will be back at some point this season. Injuries open up spots all the time, and his talents are undeniable. He’s fast, relentless and low to the ice (naturally). And on a team that’s pass-happy, he’s generally a shoot-first guy. His bond with Trocheck is tight, too, and the duo should be paired up in Florida red sweaters for years to come. Plus, if you’re really upset that he was reassigned to the Lone Star State, find solace in that he’s still in the organization; he possesses the kind of talent that could easily have been the centerpiece in some offseason trade, though there was no talk one was in the works.

My least favorite player quote right now – perhaps of all-time and you hear it often – is, “It is what it is.” I’ve heard it in baseball clubhouses, NASCAR garages, football locker rooms, hockey dressing rooms. You name the sport and designated changing room or interview area and I’ve heard it uttered when, frankly, the athlete had nothing else to say. As an aside, I’d love to hear an athlete say for once, “It’s not what it is. Really, it’s something entirely different that you couldn’t comprehend at all. It simply isn’t what it is.”

But this Florida Panthers’ roster? It is what it is.

 
Follow Bill Whitehead on Twitter @BillWhiteheadFL and in Scripps newspapers online at TCPalm.com

 

Grimaldi, Trocheck Continue Their Journey Together

By Bill Whitehead

Sometimes players are just naturally connected to other players throughout their playing careers. MJ-Scottie, Sid-Geno, Stockton-Malone and LeBron-Dwyane. Okay, that last one stings a bit, but maybe there’s another duo you can add to take the place of the former Miami Heat dynamic tandem among South Florida teammates.

Vinny-Rocco.

Has a great ring to it, right?

Vincent Trocheck and Rocco Grimaldi, two of the Florida Panthers’ most prized prospects, have been conjoined over the last decade, developing their skills together in youth hockey, being selected by the Panthers at the same draft and enjoying incredible success at the 2013 World Junior Championship in Russia while playing on the same line.

The only difference is the paths they took in navigating their way to play for the big club.

Trocheck had a breakout season in 2012-13 playing for Saginaw and Plymouth, winning the OHL’s scoring title with 109 points. Grimaldi opted for the University of North Dakota and the lure of beautiful Ralph Engelstad Arena, where he played before some of the best fans in college hockey. Together, they found time in that span to help the US team win gold at the WJC, with Grimaldi scoring two goals and Trocheck clinching the top spot for the Americans with an empty-net marker in the closing seconds of a 3-1 win over Sweden in the final game.

Now it’s time to have that success with the Panthers.

Trocheck, who just completed his fourth development camp, has tasted NHL success. He scored five goals and had three assists in 20 games for the Cats last year, and most importantly, he looked like he belongs in the NHL and has a great track history of winning and producing as a center.

The present pressure is placed on Grimaldi, a 5-foot-6 skilled forward who lacks size but makes up for it with pure talent and determination that, well, comes with battling doubts about his stature his whole career. He turned pro in May after three seasons at UND and is now on another part of his journey — making it to the NHL.

Florida director of player development Brian Skrudland takes pride in players like Grimaldi and Trocheck, and he doesn’t doubt the former’s character and persistence.

“(Rocco’s) such a dynamic player,” Skrudland said during development camp. “When I went to the University of North Dakota and sat in the crowd, I felt so proud that Rocco Grimaldi was a Panther. Everyone in the stands was saying, ‘Watch this little guy, he’s going to light it up.’

“He might just be that guy who says, ‘You know what, (5-9) Brendan Gallagher did it with Montreal. I’m coming in here and not going to San Antonio.’ It’s up to him to make the coach’s decision a hard one.”

With centers being the center of attention for the Panthers, Grimaldi finds himself in a good situation.

“Last year I played winger up until December then I played center the rest of the way. I’ve played center my entire life until I got to college. That was the only time I’ve ever played wing. For this, it doesn’t matter if I’m playing wing, center, defense, goalie – I want to make the team so whatever they want me to do, I’ll do,” he said.

A right-handed shot, the southern California native said moving from center to wing is just a matter of prioritizing.

“It just all goes back to details when you’re doing drills and stuff. You’ve got to pay attention to not only your role as a centerman but what the wing’s role is. You have to be aware of that. I’ve seen forwards go back to defense and defense go up to forward. That’s a harder adjustment than anything else. You just have to pay attention to everything they’re asking you to do, regardless if it’s your position or not. You never know, one day it could be you,” Grimaldi said.

He said he was happy to see Trocheck have success last year – “It’s really encouraging for me to see him do that” – and feels he can rely on the Pittsburgh native in tough times.

“I played Little Caesar’s (Hockey Club) with him when were 16 and I’ve known him a long time. It’s great to see that he’s doing well. It’s crazy that we’re still on this journey together. He’s a good guy who works hard and that’s something I like to do, too. He’s someone I can push and he can push me. It’s a good relationship to have,” said Grimaldi.

Added Trocheck: “I’ve grown up with Rocco from a pretty young age. He’s definitely exciting to watch. It’s tough for me to see a difference (in his game) because I’ve seen him consistently my whole life.”

The diminutive Grimaldi might bring a pint-sized body to the rink, but his character, skill and grit more than stand tall out there on the ice. It’s something Trocheck has watched for a long time.

Loaded with character and the epitome of winners who do all the little things well, Grimaldi and Trocheck are key pieces of the organization. GM Dale Tallon has preached character during his tenure with the Panthers, and both are high-character young men who have a track record of winning, so expect them to stick around. Grimaldi and Trocheck likely will have to be patient this season — for a while, at least — with the way the Florida roster looks, but at 21, they both have plenty of time to develop.

They’ll likely be honing their talents and winning games like they always have.

Together.

Follow Bill Whitehead on Twitter @BillWhiteheadFL and in Scripps newspapers online at TCPalm.com

 

 

 

A Few Reasons to Love Women’s Hockey

By Bill Whitehead

When the thought of women’s Olympic hockey came up early Wednesday morning, I jumped at the opportunity. No hockey for a long time is really bad for the soul, and the chance to get a good taste of a heated rivalry like the USA against rival Canada was enticing. There’s pure, unadulterated hatred between the two clubs.

The game didn’t disappoint.

As an American, I was, of course, dismayed by the outcome. I thought the USA moved the puck around and possessed it better in the first period, but it took three outstanding saves by netminder Jessie Vetter to keep the game scoreless after one period. After trailing 1-0, feisty Team Canada played a stronger game and took advantage of a controversial second goal by Hayley Wickenheiser to pull ahead 2-1. Once the Canadians stretched it to 3-1, Team USA scored one and had a two-man advantage inside the last minute after Canada committed a minor for too many (wo)men on the ice, but the Yanks simply ran out of town.

It was a great win for Team Canada, and it was just Round 1. There’s a good chance these two clubs, who truly dislike one another, meet in the medal round, perhaps playing for gold. If that happens, I’d like the USA’s speed to outlast Canada’s tough physical play and come away the winner in the rematch.

Three observations from the game:

HELLO, OLD FRIEND – It was nice to see Kevin Dineen pop up again on my TV. I always found Dineen to be a personable chap during his tenure behind the Florida Panthers’ bench, and it’s great to see him have some success – even at the expense of Team USA. Dineen had to have been shocked to be on the winning side of Wickenheiser’s controversial/reviewable goal because he lost about 95 percent of those with Florida. That’s the good for Dineen. On the negative side, well, let’s just say we saw those too many men on the ice infractions way too often with Dineen as the Cats’ coach.

GREAT GAME, GREAT TIME – Watching the game reminded me of the World Junior Championships two years ago when Vincent Trochek and Rocco Grimaldi paced Team USA in the gold medal game over Sweden in the wee hours of the morning over here stateside. I can remember getting up at 3:59 a.m. for those 4:00 ET starts, making a pot of coffee and cheering on Vinnie and Rocco, who sounded like a pair of mobsters, with the house all to myself. Nothing quite like getting up way too early and enjoying some java and puck. It’s the same thing I do with the British Open golf tournament – just without the hockey.

GIRLS ROCK – If you haven’t been exposed to the women’s game, you’ll be surprised: These girls can play. Team USA is incredibly fast, and the skill level is quite high. Plus, they communicate well. In fact, certain NHL teams could learn to stay onside like these women who fly up and down the ice with their ponytails swishing around because they always seem to be on the same page, again communicating and playing well with one another, not making many mental errors or silly passes.

I don’t like the players being referred to as “ladies.” We don’t call the male members of the NHL “gentlemen” — ever. Maybe at the Lady Byng Trophy presentation, that’s about it. And I doubt all the things heard on the ice in Sochi would qualify as lady-like. But that’s a minor gripe.
When the NHL was locked out in the fall of 2012, I expanded my DirecTV package to include more sports in an effort to see more college hockey, especially the University of Minnesota for Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, and North Dakota to watch Grimaldi play. What I didn’t get to see then or didn’t notice at the time was any of the women’s game.

That’s a shame – again — because these girls can play and it’s a fine quality of hockey.

Panthers Notes: Language Barriers

By Bill Whitehead

A couple of quick notes from the end of Florida’s developmental camp:

SEASONAL FRENCH: If any of Florida’s English-speaking-only prospects is going to learn French simply by the company he keeps, look no further than forward Rocco Grimaldi, who hears plenty of French during summer camp.

The 5-foot-6 University of North Dakota player roomed with Jonathan Huberdeau in a previous camp, and the pair playfully kidded one another often, even taking the joking to Twitter. Grimaldi took shots at the Quebec-born Huberdeau’s troubles with English – though in reality it’s quite good – while Grimaldi’s short stature was a source of Huberdeau’s Twitter teasing.

In this year’s camp, Grimaldi was paired with Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, native Francis Beauvillier. On the last day of camp following the scrimmage, Beauvillier was casually chatting with the media about how certain English words were borrowed from French – the word petard, from “hoisted by one’s own petard,” for example – when Grimaldi came by.

Upon hearing Beauvillier’s explanation in English, Grimaldi couldn’t resist a final dig before exiting: “Most of the English he speaks, I taught him.”

NO TRANSLATION: Speaking of linguistic strides, forward Alexander Delnov was seen doing one-on-one for interviews without an interpreter. When Florida drafted Delnov in the fourth round in Pittsburgh last year, Delnov spoke broken English and needed the assistance of Vadim Podrezov, Florida’s scout in Russia.

It’s no surprise that Podrezov came to the rescue. He and Delnov hail from Mytischi, a town just northeast of Moscow. Podrezov helped put the Panthers on to Delnov, vouching for the speed and talent of the 19-year-old who idolized former Panther great Pavel Bure.

Florida hopes Delnov (below, left) becomes one of two Russian major finds. Two years ago in Minnesota, the Panthers drafted Delnov’s countryman Yaroslav Kosov (right), who completely bypassed the interview room because of the language barrier. A fifth-round selection, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound right winger has played two seasons for Magnitogorsk Mettalurg in the KHL and scored a hat trick against Germany on the way to earning a bronze medal in this past WJC tournament held in Kosov’s homeland. Scott Luce, Florida’s scouting director, said in St. Paul at the draft that he felt the organization had found a hidden gem in Kosov, who just turned 20.

               

SIZING HIM UP: One Panther who meandered in and out of the dressing room was Huberdeau, whose name slotted low on the list for the exit meetings the team was conducting with each player. Huberdeau said he had received a smaller replica of the Calder Trophy, but what stood out the most about Huberdeau, in his third year in the organization, was the muscle he had added on his 6-foot-1 frame.

No one will ever confuse Huberdeau with any winners of the Mr. Universe contest, but he’s also no longer the lanky lad who showed up to camp in 2011 and who’s biggest advice was that he needed to add weight.

Look for a slightly bulkier red No. 11 sweater flying toward opposing goalies next season.

SCANT FEW: The best deal in hockey is heading toward the finish line as the Panthers announced that its new $7 season ticket offer, which it implemented during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final last month — has nearly sold out. Sunrise Sports & Entertainment announced Tuesday that less than 50 tickets remain.

Fans who sign up will receive a free jersey, free parking, four free concerts at the BB&T Center, a $25 Duffy’s gift card and more for just $7 per game.

Interested fans can call 954-835-PUCK or got to FloridaPanthers.com to order their tickets.

LOOSE PUCKS: Florida announced its preseason schedule Tuesday afternoon. The team opens with a doubleheader on Monday, Sept. 16, against Nashville at 2:30 and 7 at the BB&T Center.  Florida then travels to Dallas to face the Stars two days later, and again in San Antonio on Sept. 20. The Panthers then play three games against the Lightning — Sept. 21 in Tampa, Sept. 26 in Estero at Germain Arena and two days later at home…Florida inked center Greg Rallo and defenseman Michael Caruso to one-year, two-way contracts.

Matheson Gets Physical

By Bill Whitehead

CORAL SPRINGS — When you look at various scouting reports on Florida Panthers’ prospect Michael Matheson, the positives seemingly jump off the page. The defenseman can move the puck swiftly out of his end and has great vision to anticipate the outlet pass. Skating? It’s perhaps his greatest attribute. The Boston College sophomore-to-be, the 23rd overall pick last year in the draft in Pittsburgh, was cited by the Florida brass as being the fastest skater in the draft — effortless, fluid and drawing comparisons to Brian Campbell, his brethren in red hair.

The downside in the assessment of Matheson’s game is the defensive side, particularly the physical aspect of being a blueliner. He’s not the type of d-man, some say, who will put the body on an attacking forward and win physical battles.

Matheson doesn’t necessarily agree.

“I’d say that’s one of my underestimated areas of my game. I’ve always laid the body and always tried to be a physical guy. I don’t go out of my way to get huge hits,” Matheson said Friday after the scrimmage and shootout demonstration that closed Florida’s developmental camp.

In the first of the two 30-minute practice periods in one of those one-on-one moments, the 6-foot-2 Matheson had to separate the puck from forward Rocco Grimaldi, and, well, let’s just say the BC Eagle got the better of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux. Matheson outfought and tossed down the shorter Grimaldi, who has a reputation as a player who, while small, is a strong skater who is difficult to knock off the puck.

“Rocco was trying to dangle,” Matheson said, chuckling, while Grimaldi was across the room doing ab work on the dressing room floor.

“It isn’t the main part of my game, but I guess I don’t like shying away from it.”

Fluent in both English and French — he hails from Pointe-Claire, Quebec, just west of Montreal — Matheson will return to Boston College and try to get the Eagles to the Frozen Four. There he will be joined in the defensive corps by Ian McCoshen, Florida’s second-round pick in Newark and more of a defensive-minded defenseman. McCoshen, who attended Shattuck-St. Mary’s in his hometown of Faribault, Minn., played three years with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL.

“I think I had a good week, though I wasn’t happy with my performance today,” Matheson summarized. “Overall, I was pretty happy with the on-ice sessions and off-ice sessions. It was good to get another view of what level I have to get to to play here.

“I don’t really have specific expectations. I was happy with my (freshman) year overall. But at the same time, there were things I could’ve done better and I’m working toward them. I don’t think I’ll be (at BC) all four years…The talent here is really exciting.”

The development of Matheson will be fun to watch on NESN throughout the college hockey season on those nights when the Panthers are idle. You can watch the 19-year-old run the power play for BC coach Jerry York, and no doubt he’ll dazzle you with his skating — he did that in Friday’s scrimmage.

And don’t worry about that physical play either.

Just ask Rocco.