Florida Panthers Prospect Ryder Cali Off To Strong Goal Scoring NCAA Start

Although the Florida Panthers didn't have a first-round pick at this past season's NHL draft, they did make a pair of second-round picks.

One of those selections was Ryder Cali, whom the Panthers selected with the 48th overall pick. Cali stands 6-foot-2, weighs 214 pounds, and is skating in his first NCAA season.

Before the draft, Cali played for the North Bay Battalion in the OHL. In his lone full season in the OHL, Cali posted 16 goals and 36 points in 47 games. While the numbers weren't eye-popping, his physicality and defensive awareness drew scouts' attention.

Cali chose to leave the OHL and join Providence College in the NCAA. So far, the transition has been smooth, and Cali is excelling.

In six games, the 18-year-old has posted four goals, tied for the team lead. In the Friars’ most recent game, Cali centered the top line with Montreal Canadiens prospect Logan Sawyer and senior Tanner Adams. 

Cali's quick transition is a bit surprising. With his frame and ability to play "big boy hockey," Cali was always going to be effective defensively and wouldn't look out of place. But his offense translating this quickly is considering he wasn't a huge offensive threat in the OHL.

Cali has hounded down pucks on the forecheck and has made life difficult for his opponents. Additionally, he is finding his way to the net and is playing on the power play. His understanding of how to use his body is effective when playing college hockey. 

Cali's excellent start could begin putting his name on the map. While it might still be a long shot to make the Canadian world junior team, he is at least making some noise and getting some consideration. He could also begin gaining traction as a trade option or even to sign his entry-level contract. Yet the latter would likely happen after next season, as the Panthers are in a position to be patient and let him develop. 

Cali fits the Panthers’ brand of hockey, and if he keeps developing, he’ll be a staple of their center-ice group sooner rather than later. 

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