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2019 NHL Mock Draft: Chicago Blackhawks pick begins the intrigue

By Vincent Parise

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: Draft runners pose for a group photo following the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: Draft runners pose for a group photo following the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

13. Florida Panthers: Spencer Knight, G

The Florida Panthers have a lot to be excited about. They hired former Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville and have a good nucleus of players to build around, and if they have a good offseason they could be in the mix for not only the playoffs but a deep run in the playoffs. They have some money to spend in free agency.

Lots of people think they will go after superstars like Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. Adding Bobrovsky to the core could be just what this team needs. He could also be a mentor one day if the Panthers drafted his successor, Spencer Knight, with the 13th overall pick. He is going to be the only goalie taken in the first round, so you know the hype is real with this kid. Goalies don’t go in the first round unless they are expected to be really good.

Knight might be just as important of pick for the Panthers if they do not land Bobrovsky in free agency. If he goes elsewhere, drafting Knight would mean that they at least have a long term plan in the net. The tandem of an aging Roberto Luongo and James Reimer did not really work out well for Florida, so you know that they will be looking to solidify the position in both the short and long term, with coach Q being the bench boss.

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