Florida had five different goal scorers on Friday against the Predators

A group of the Florida Panthers best and brightest prospects opened their weekend at the 2024 NHL Rookie Showcase with a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators.

Florida’s goal scorers included Gracyn Sawchyn, Hunter St. Martin and Mike Benning, whose tallies helped the Panthers take a 3-1 lead into the third period.

Sawchyn was the Cats’ second round selection at the 2023 NHL Draft, which also happened to be in Nashville.

“It was super exciting,” Sawchyn said of Friday’s win. “It’s my second year (at the rookie tournament) so a little bit more comfortable and having a lot of fun.”

St. Martin was a sixth round pick at this summer’s draft.

Benning, who logged 26 points in 72 games with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers last season, his first as a pro, was a fourth round pick back in 2020.

“It’s fun when you score goals,” Benning said with a smile. “I think the guys were just having fun out there.”

A pair of empty net goals by Ryan McAllister and Ben Steeves would seal the victory for Florida.

McAllister was signed by Florida as an undrafted rookie following a standout season at Western Michigan University in 2022-23. He had 19 points in 37 games with Charlotte last season.

Steeves was also an undrafted signee by the Panthers. He’ll be playing in his first pro season this year, likely with Charlotte.

That’s where goaltender Cooper Black is expected to spent the upcoming season as well.

The young goaltender is massive, coming in a 6-foot-8, 240 lbs, and is also starting his first pro season.

He came up big for the Panthers on Friday in Nashville, making 29 saves in the win.

Florida’s next opponent in the rookie tournament will be the Carolina Hurricanes.

They’ll face off on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Ford Ice Center. 

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