FLORIDA PANTHERS

– DILLON COLLINS

> THE STANLEY CUP-WINNING Panthers have high expectations for Latvian winger Sandis Vilmanis as potential glue for their middle-six forward group and secondary power-play unit. The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder signed a three-year, entry-level deal in March and is now in the infancy of his pro career with AHL Charlotte. Panthers GM Bill Zito described the 20-year-old, who was a fifth-round pick in 2022, as “a strong skater and skilled forward” with “high character.” Vilmanis had 112 points across 122 OHL games with the Sarnia Sting and North Bay Battalion, including an impressive 28 goals in 30 games with North Bay last year. During training camp, Vilmanis earned praise from Cats coach Paul Maurice while occupying the right side on a line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. “Playing with those guys on one line…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Prospects Unlimited 2024-25

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