Hutsko flashes skills in development camp

CORAL SPRINGS — Logan Hutsko describes his game as having “a lot of skill.”

On Friday, at the Panthers development camp scrimmage, Hutsko’s skill was on display at the IceDen. In a game that finished 2-0 in favor of Hutsko’s team — the Red team — the 5-foot-10 forward was all over the ice, creating chances for his teammates, drawing penalties and even scoring a goal in the postgame shootout.

“I just feel like there was a lot of skill out on the ice today, especially I got to play with some really good players, and you know, they kind of made it easier,” Hutsko said. “You know, just a lot of skill on both teams, and when you play with some skilled guys, it makes the game a lot more fun.”

The fact thatHutsko is in Coral Springs in the first place is a minor miracle. The Panthers’ third-round pick broke his neck in 2015 andwas nearly paralyzed.

But he recovered and continued his career at BostonCollege, where he’ll play again next year. And though he didn’t score a regulation goal in Friday’s scrimmage, his skillwas apparent at development camp throughout the week, giving the Panthers optimism forHutsko’s future.

“He’s a skilled offensive threat, great power-play guy.” said Bryan McCabe, the Panthers director of player development. “He’s most likely gonna have a breakout season at [Boston College] this year.”

Hutsko’s week culminated with Friday’s shootout. As the first person on his team chosen to take the shootout attempt, he converted, deking goaltender Chris Mattone and firing a wristshot into the back of the net.

Westlund gets the game-winner

The scrimmage was largely defined by good offensive play with some missed opportunities.

But late inthe5-on-5portion of the opening half, 2015 fifth-roundpickKarch Bachman won a battle along the boards in the offensive zone and took the puck behind the net.

Undrafted forward Gustaf Westlund camped out in front of the crease, received Bachman’s pass and deposited it into the wide-open net to give his team the 1-0 lead.

Gereffa tacks on

In the 4-on-4 portion of the second half, undrafted forward Zach Solow led a 2-on-1 breakaway with undrafted defenseman Zach Gereffa.

Solowtook it up the right side, then fed Gereffa in the middle of the ice. Gereffa brought it to his backhand and stuffed it five-hole on Mattone, giving the Red team its 2-0 win. mpersak@sunsentinel.com, 954-425-1955 or Twitter @MikeDPersak