Panthers Prospect Report: AHL All-Stars Shine, Pipeline Continues to Build
As the NHL heads into its break, the Florida Panthers’ prospect pool is showing exactly why the organization’s future looks as promising as its present. From breakout performances in the AHL to standout numbers across the CHL, NCAA, and Europe, the Panthers’ pipeline is delivering on all fronts.
Let’s dive into the latest from the farm system-starting with two players who’ve earned their spot in the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic.
Spotlight: Ben Steeves - AHL All-Star, Power Play Force
Ben Steeves is having the kind of season that turns heads-and earns accolades. In just his second full pro campaign, the 23-year-old forward has emerged as a cornerstone for the Charlotte Checkers.
Named to the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic, Steeves is tied for the team lead in both goals (16) and points (29), while also leading the squad in penalty minutes (58) and power-play goals (6). That’s a unique stat line-equal parts scoring touch and competitive edge. And lately, he’s been on a heater.
Over his last 11 games, Steeves has posted 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists), pushing his production to over a point-per-game pace during that stretch. His seven goals in January led the team and earned him the Checkers’ “Sharpshooter of the Month” honors.
Steeves isn’t just scoring-he’s doing it in big moments, on special teams, and with the kind of consistency that suggests he’s ready for the next step. If he keeps this up, the Panthers may have a legitimate NHL contributor knocking on the door sooner than later.
Spotlight: Jack Devine - Rookie Year, Veteran Poise
Jack Devine may be new to the pro game, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him play.
The 2022 seventh-round pick (221st overall) has been one of Charlotte’s most reliable forwards in his rookie season. Like Steeves, Devine earned a spot at the AHL All-Star Classic, and he’s made a strong case for it with a well-rounded offensive game.
Through 34 games, Devine leads the Checkers in assists (17), ranks third in goals (12), and is tied with Steeves for the team lead in points (29). Among all AHL rookies, he’s top-eight in goals, assists, and points-impressive company for a player who came into the league with little fanfare.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had high praise for Devine earlier this season, calling him “very bright” and someone who “reads the game exceptional.” Add in good hands and a competitive streak, and you’ve got a player who’s quickly earning trust and responsibility.
Devine’s growth curve is trending up-and fast.
AHL/ECHL Standouts: Depth Across the Board
Beyond Steeves and Devine, the Checkers are getting strong contributions from several other Panthers prospects:
- Mike Benning (D, Age 24) continues to be a steady presence on the blue line with 21 points (6G, 15A) in 42 games.
- Wilmer Skoog (F, Age 26) is tied for the team lead in goals (16) and just one point off the overall lead with 28.
- Gracyn Sawchyn (F, Age 21) is quietly putting together a solid campaign with 19 points (6G, 13A) in 29 games.
- Cooper Black (G, Age 24) and Kirill Gerasimyuk (G, Age 22) are splitting duties in net, with respectable numbers that keep Charlotte competitive every night.
The Checkers’ blue line is also deep with young talent. Marek Alscher, Ludvig Jansson, and Mikulas Hovorka are all logging meaningful minutes, while Evan Nause is developing nicely with Savannah in the ECHL, posting 17 points in 37 games.
CHL Watch: Shea Busch Lighting It Up
In the CHL, Shea Busch (F, Age 18) is putting up video game numbers with the Everett Silvertips. Through just 12 games, he’s already scored 13 goals and added 5 assists for 18 points. That’s the kind of production that gets noticed quickly-and raises expectations.
Meanwhile, Shamar Moses (F, Age 18) continues to find his footing with 16 points in 43 games for the North Bay Battalion.
NCAA Prospects: Solid Development in College Ranks
The Panthers have several players gaining valuable experience in the NCAA:
- Vladislav Lukashevich (D, Age 22) is the standout here, with 18 points (2G, 16A) in 26 games for Miami University.
- Tyler Muszelik (G, Age 21) is having a strong season in net for UConn, posting a .930 save percentage and a 2.16 GAA through 22 games.
- Brendan Dunphy, Luke Coughlin, and others are continuing to develop in key roles on their respective teams.
European Pipeline: Goaltending Depth and Young Talent Emerging
The Panthers’ European prospects are headlined by a trio of goaltenders who are quietly building strong résumés:
- Denis Gabdrakhmanov (G, Age 20) has a .919 SV% and 2.25 GAA in 27 games for Rubin Tyumen.
- Olof Glifford (G, Age 20) is also performing well with a .910 SV% over 24 games.
- Yegor Midlak (G, Age 18) is gaining experience, though his numbers reflect the growing pains of a young netminder (3.88 GAA).
On the skater side, Arvid Drott (F, Age 18) is off to a strong start with Djurgårdens IF U20, racking up 23 points (13G, 10A) in 23 games. Simon Zether, Albert Wikman, and Matvei Shuravin are also logging meaningful minutes in their respective leagues.
The Big Picture
The Panthers' prospect pool is showing depth, versatility, and high-end upside across every position. With multiple players already making noise at the AHL level-and others developing steadily in junior, college, and overseas-it’s clear the organization has built a strong foundation for sustained success.
Between the All-Star nods for Steeves and Devine, the goaltending depth in Europe and college, and the offensive sparks from names like Busch and Lukashevich, there’s plenty to be excited about in South Florida’s pipeline.
Keep an eye on this group. The next wave of Panthers is coming-and they’re bringing skill, grit, and poise with them.