Panthers Draft Ryder Cali 48th Overall

With the 48th pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers have selected Ryder Cali from the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

About Ryder Cali

Ryder Cali has all the tools to become a player that coaches rely on in the playoffs for an infusion of energy and a shift in momentum. He likely won’t develop into a top-six scoring threat, but the anchor of a checking line who can score 15-20 goals, play on the second-unit power play and kill penalties. His ability to forecheck, win battles along the boards and use his size to his advantage should one day make him a valuable part of a Stanley Cup contender.

Cali didn’t blow anyone away with his stat line this season with the North Bay Battalion. He finished with 16 goals and 36 points in 47 games and four points in the playoffs, but as Lukas Bernasiewicz said in his draft profile, a lot of what he does doesn’t show up on the scoreboard. He also suited up for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, notching an assist in five games. He will be leaving the OHL next season to play for Providence College in the NCAA.

THW Prospect Profile Excerpt

“Cali has played with multiple different players this season, but as of right now, while the Battalion are in the playoffs, he is centering Anaheim Ducks prospect Ethan Procyszyn and Nick Wellenreiter. The line is a clear play-driving line for the Battalion and one of their top offensive units. Cali has also found himself on the Battalion power play in the bumper slot.

“That is one of Cali’s biggest strengths. Standing at 6-foot-2, he is very good in the offensive zone at forechecking and putting pressure on defending players. He is great at winning puck battles and has a knack for muscling past players to get open. He loves to find open spaces right in front of the net to put in those bang and crash type goals, but he also looks to get open on the boards so he can step in and rip a shot on net.”

“For a player as noticeable in the offensive zone, Cali has underrated speed, which he shows off when trying to get back on defence. In an instance where the puck quickly or unexpectedly goes back the other way towards the North Bay end, Cali often shows off his wheels and hustles to try and get back into position to prevent a chance against. Oftentimes, he can make it.

“Cali brings a lot of underrated aspects to his game, things that don’t pop up on the scoresheet but you can only see if you watch him in person. His size will garner attention, and once teams see what he can do on the ice, they will really like what he brings to an NHL team. Cali will get taken on Day 2 most likely, but over time, teams will be kicking themselves for not drafting him once he gets stronger and even a bit tougher.”

Continue reading the full player profile here.

How This Affects the Panthers’ Plans

Cali is a Panthers pick through and through. The Panthers’ system is high energy, strong forechecking and tough to play against; everything that Cali is. If he hits his ceiling, he will be the anchor of a middle-six line and likely a reason the Panthers win yet another Stanley Cup.