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Wednesday, November 8, 2000
Florida Panthers
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First Round Picks: None (1st selection No. 53)
1999-2000 Record: 43-33-6 (6), 98 points (8th overall)
What they need
Defense is a sticking point for the Panthers after struggling down the stretch and in their brief
playoff tenure. Blueliners and two-way forwards will be sought to fill this void.
In their system
Recently signed right wing Denis Shvidki (12th overall in '99) displayed both scoring and play-
making ability this past season for OHL Champion Barrie, scoring 41 goals and 106 points in 61 games. Another scoring
threat, right wing Ivan Novoseltsev (95th overall in '97) was bothered by injuries after an early-season call-up that saw him spend time on the Florida roster. In 47 games at Louisville (AHL), he had 14 goals and 35 points. Another forward of note is left wing Kristian Huselius (47th overall in '97), who had 21 goals and 44 points in 50 games in the Swedish League for Vastra Frolunda.
On the blueline, a trio of 1998 selections had solid years. Lance Ward (63rd overall), who was a re-
entry after originally being taken by New Jersey in '96, racked up 190 PIM's to go along with 20 points in 80 games at
Louisville. In the junior ranks, Kyle Rossiter (30th overall in '98) shined for Spokane (WHL), notching 11 goals, 33
points, and 155 PIM's in 63 games, while Joe DiPenta (61st overall in '98) had 13 goals, 56 points, and 83 PIM's in 63
games for Halifax (QMJHL). Between the pipes, Alexander Auld (40th overall in '99) went 21-26-6 with a 3.29 GAA
in 55 games for North Bay (OHL).
Recent draft history
The Panthers will not pick in the first round for the second time in three seasons (barring a
trade). When they do have a first round choice, Florida has tended to take a forward, the lone exception coming in 1994,
when they chose defenseman Ed Jovanovski (now with Vancouver) 1st overall.
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FIRST-ROUND SELECTIONS (LAST FIVE YEARS)
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| YEAR |
PICK |
PLAYER |
POS. |
'99 TEAM |
'99 G-A-Pts |
| 1999 |
12 |
Denis Shvidki |
RW |
Barrie (OHL) |
41-65-106 |
| 1997 |
20 |
Mike Brown |
C/LW |
Syracuse (AHL-VAN) |
13-18-31 |
| 1996 |
20 |
Marcus Nilson |
LW |
Florida (NHL) |
0-2-2 |
| 1995 |
10 |
Radek Dvorak |
RW |
Florida-NYR (NHL) |
18-32-50 |
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ALSO SEE
Panthers' first-round history
Team Needs: Atlanta Thrashers
Team Needs: Carolina Hurricanes
Team Needs: Tampa Bay Lightning
Team Needs: Washington Capitals
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