By Toby Rice
The Florida Panthers have made a point to field a competitive farm team, and that trend is no different this season. With a few years of solid drafting, the cupboards are stocked. This year's Rochester Americans are younger than usual, but that is due in part to new league rules.
"The new rules certainly made us adjust a little bit when it comes to our farm system. We will always want to have some veterans to help teach the young kids, but we've been fortunate. Our draft capital has been high in recent years, so kids that were drafted a few seasons ago are now getting valuable playing time as leaders down in Rochester."
The few veterans on the farm are leading the team when it comes to points, but several key prospects are also in the running. Ayrton Martino has 22 points, and is playing in his most likely final year in the AHL. Oscar Fisker Molgaard has notched 20 points, and may be the biggest surprise for this young Americans team. The 18 year old is playing his first pro season and is on pace for a stellar 86 point season.
The Americans have 22 points in the standings, and are just 4 back from the conference leading Providence Bruins. Could this be the year they challenge for the Calder Cup?
"It is important. It's important to us as management, it's important to the players, and it's important to the fans up in Rochester. A deep playoff run on the farm breeds development and I'm all about it."
8/28/2024 - 259 words
