With the twenty-third pick in the 2016 NHL Draft the Florida Panthers have selected Henrik Borgstrom from the HIFK U20 in the Jr. A SM-liiga
About Henrik Borgstrom
Henrik Borgstrom posted a very impressive 29 goals and 55 points in 40 games last season in the Jr. A SM-liiga, and he is committed to play for the University of Denver next season.
While he boasts a solid height at 6 foot 3, the left-shot forward is only 183 pounds and could use some additional mass before he eventually makes the jump to the NHL. Physicality is one of the drawbacks when considering Borgstrom, and it was one of the factors that led to him going undrafted in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in his first year of eligibility.
Borgstrom is a good skater who uses his stick well to counter his inability to play a physical game. If he can add mass and work on his physicality while at Denver, he could become a very well-rounded forward worthy of a first round draft pick.
How This Affects The Florida Panthers Plans
The Florida Panthers surprised the hockey world last season by finishing first in the Atlantic Division with 103 points. The Panthers seem to have a bright future with Aleksander Barkov, Nick Bjugstad, Jonathan Huberdeau, Vincent Trocheck, and Aaron Ekblad among other young players on their current roster.
With the 23rd overall pick, the Panthers select Henrik Borgstrom! pic.twitter.com/3gKrK7Qi2j
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) June 25, 2016
In terms of prospects, the Panthers have Mike Matheson, Lawson Crouse, Ian McCoshen, and Jayce Hawrlyluk among others. With such a good, young team currently in the NHL and so many prospects ready to make the jump soon, Borgstrom will have the time to develop properly.
Development of prospects is one of the most important things a team can do as too many teams under-develop their players due to various circumstances. In the past, Florida has done a good job at using their prospects efficiently, whether it be by letting them play at the CHL, NCAA, AHL, or NHL level.
With a snazzy new uniform and logo, the Florida Panthers look ready to compete for the Stanley Cup now, and for the foreseeable future. Having veteran leadership from players like Jaromir Jagr and Shawn Thornton should help the young players along with the development process.
