Prior to their game against Montreal this evening, the Florida Panthers have recalled both Ian McCoshen and MacKenzie Weegar from the AHL. Both players have yet to make their NHL debuts, though Weegar has spent time with the team this year. With Florida officially eliminated from playoff contention, the team will turn to some young professionals to get a taste of the league in the last few games.
Weegar, 23, has excelled in the AHL this season with 32 points in 57 games. The former seventh-round pick has shown a steady improvement during his three professional seasons, which will now culminate with a chance at the NHL. The offensive defenseman can quarterback a powerplay and rush the puck with ease, making him an interesting candidate for a spot on the Panthers next year, as the NHL moves more and more towards defensemen who can skate quickly and launch long passes.
McCoshen, 21, was signed out of Boston College last summer after leaving school a year early. The big two-way defenseman was Florida’s second round pick (31st overall) in 2013 and has big upside to his defensive game. He’ll likely be an NHL player for many years, though he may have to wait another season in the AHL before obtaining a full-time role. While he can do it all and will benefit from this taste of the NHL, a little more refinement is necessary to his overall game.