Florida Panthers
· 2026-07-14
Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito expressed his excitement about the team's picks in the second day of the 2026 NHL draft, citing the physicality and size of the selected players.
The Florida Panthers made six selections in the second day of the 2026 NHL draft, starting with right winger Simas Ignatavičius at No. 40. The 18-year-old was initially projected to go earlier in the draft and is listed at 6 feet 3 and 201 pounds. He played for the National League of Switzerland during the 2025-26 season and logged 13 points in 52 games.
Ignatavičius is an experienced addition, having played internationally for Lithuania. He fits with the Panthers' physicality and is a quick, versatile pickup. General manager Bill Zito felt that each of the picks would fit the team's style without regard to the actual timing.
The Panthers' selections in the second day of the 2026 NHL draft are a testament to the team's commitment to physicality and size. The team's general manager, Bill Zito, emphasized the importance of these traits in the team's identity.
The first pick of the morning was No. 40, and with it, the Panthers picked up right winger Simas Ignatavičius. He is listed at 6 feet 3 and 201 pounds and played for the National League of Switzerland during the 2025-26 season, logging 13 points in 52 games.
The Panthers then utilized the No. 48 pick to grab forward Ryder Cali, much to the delight of the 17-year-old. Cali was another selection projected to go earlier and also brings the physicality that is such a large part of the franchise's identity. He is a high-IQ player and solid skater, adding to the physicality and size he brings.
The Lugano, Switzerland, native spent last season with the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 36 points in 47 games. Cali still has room to develop, especially with his young age, and the 6-foot-2, 218-pound forward is committed to Providence College for the 2026-27 season.
The Panthers then bided their time as the remainder of the fourth and entire fifth round went by before selecting twice in the sixth. They started with Vilho Vanhatalo, a 6-foot-4, 194-pound right winger from Finland. The 18-year-old's trademark is his strong shot, which he can get off with very little space.
He spent last season with Tappara's U20 crew, where his physicality also stood out – a trait consistently showing up in Florida's selections and not at all by accident. He logged 19 points in 38 games on the season.
The Panthers rounded out the sixth round with another forward, Cole Zurawski. The 6-foot-1, 194-pound Canadian is committed to Notre Dame for next season. He's an instinctual, aggressive player with a dash of speed and agility.
Florida Panthers are currently standing 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-38 record, on a three-game winning streak.