Welcome to this edition of the 2025 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2025 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Florida Panthers, which has four WHLers in its prospect pool.
The Panthers have drafted at least one WHLer in seven of the last eight drafts. They added Edmonton Oil Kings' forward Gracyn Sawchyn in 2023, while selecting Medicine Hat Tigers' forward Hunter St. Martin in 2024. As for this year, Florida selected two players from the WHL, drafting Everett Silvertips' forward Shea Busch in the fourth round, and Wenatchee Wild's defenceman Brendan Dunphy in the seventh.
Starting with Sawchyn, he stepped up in a big way for Edmonton this season. In 54 games, he recorded 78 points before producing eight points in seven playoff games. Listed at 6'0", 154 lbs, Sawchyn will most likely head to the AHL next year.
Up next is St. Martin, who, like Sawchyn, has already signed his Entry-Level Contract. The 20-year-old recorded a career high in points last season while also helping the Tigers qualify for the Memorial Cup Final. Listed at 6'2", 185 lbs, St. Martin is projected to join the Charlotte Checkers for the 2025-26 season.
As for Busch, he had a successful rookie campaign with Everett. The 18-year-old spent the first half of the season in the BCHL before recording 19 points in 39 games with the Silvertips. Listed at 6'2", 212 lbs, Busch will be heading to Penn State University next year.
Lastly, we have Dunphy, who also began the season in the BCHL. The 19-year-old defender played 47 games for Wenatchee, recording four goals and 22 points. Listed at 6'5", 207 lbs, Dunphy will play next season at the University of Connecticut.
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