Top pick begins quest for job with Panthers

Top draft pick Owen Tippett will begin his bid for spot on the Florida Panthers during a fourteam prospect tournament beginning next week.

Tippett, a forward drafted with the No. 10 pick in the NHL draft in June, was prominent among a 26-man roster the Panthers announced Thursday for their prospect camp and tournament that will run Sept. 9-12 at Germain Arena in Estero.

Other notables include forward Denis Malgin, who had six goals and 10 points in 47 games for the Panthers last season, forward Jayce Hawryluk (second round, 2014), defenseman Ian McCoshen (second round, 2013) and goalie Samuel Montembeault (third round, 2015).

With the departure of four top-six forwards from last season, the Panthers have needs to fill, particularly on the wing. Tippett, 18, signed a threeyear entry level contract.

Malgin, Hawryluk, McCoshen and Malgin will also be vying for spots when regular training camp opens. A strong showing in the prospect camp can provide a leg-up, as it did for Malgin last year when he was a surprise to make the openingnight roster as a 19-year-old.

The tournament also Sept. 9: Sept. 10: Sept. 12: includes prospects from the Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators.

Panthers prospects will open camp Thursday at the IceDen in Coral Springs.