As obvious to many, if not all, the Florida Panthers are quite thin at the back when you reach inside the cupboard. Luckily for them, this draft class (particularly the first round) is well-versed with defensemen from all over who can step in and play as early as the second half of next season.
You’re probably wondering why I’m not even considering any forwards in this piece who could possibly slide a few ranks into the Panthers’ hands.
In case you’re one on that side of the fence, it’s simple: defense is a primary need heading into the offseason, and what better way to address this issue than to go through the cost-efficient route by selecting a defenseman with your 13th pick.