Live updates: Follow along as Florida Panthers make their 2026 NHL Draft picks
As has been the case the past few years, the Florida Panthers had a quiet first day of the NHL draft. The Panthers have dealt away each of their first-round picks the past five years (and for the next three years) to build up their core that has turned them into perennial Stanley Cup contenders.
They’ll be a little busier on Saturday.
Florida enters Day 2 of the draft, which consists of Rounds 2-7, with six selections.
Action begins at 11 a.m., with the draft being broadcast on NHL Network and ESPN+.
Follow along for updates on each of Florida’s draftees as the picks are made.
2 (40): Forward Simas Ignatavicius
The Lithuanian forward played for Geneve-Servette HC last year, producing 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in Switzerland’s highest hockey league as an 18-year-old.
According to Elite Prospects, he “brings solid straight-line speed and combines that with smart angling, good stick placement, and a strong physical presence.”
Ignatavicius was ranked as the No. 30 overall prospect by The Athletic’s Corey Pronman; No. 35 by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler; and No. 42 by ESPN. He’s ranked the No. 10 overall international skate by NHL’s Central Scouting.
He is just the third Lithuanian player ever selected in the NHL draft, joining Dainius Zubrus and Darius Kasparaitis.
2 (48): Center Ryder Cali
Cali, 18, has size at 6-2 and 218 pounds. He played for North Bay in the Ontario Hockey League last year, producing 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) in 47 games.
He was viewed as a near-consensus top-50 prospect.
“A man amongst boys and capable of clever tricks, Cali continuously showed NHL upside this season,” according to Elite Prospects.
Cali is committed to play college hockey at Providence College.
The Panthers have prioritized size so far in the draft.
4 (98): Defenseman Jonas Kemps
The 18-year-old checks in at 6-6 and 195-pounds. He’s a left-handed shooting defenseman. He played for the Chicago Steel of the USHL last season, is slated to play for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League next season and then go to Michigan State.
“Mobile with seemingly endless reach, Kemps denies access to the defensive zone,” reads his Elite Prospects scouting report. “When beaten, it’s usually only momentarily because he just reaches back and knocks the puck away. With possession, he looks for outlets across the rink and has the skill to get pucks through a layer or two.”
6 (168): Forward Vilho Vanhatalo
Vanhatalo checks in at 6-3 and 194 pounds. He played for Tappara’s U20 team last year in Finland, logging 19 points in 38 games. He was also on Finland’s roster for the World Juniors, scoring one goal in five games played.
He was a near consensus top-100 prospect, including ranked No. 16 among European skaters by NHL central scouting, so the Panthers got some value here.
“Vanhatalo has the ideal power forward frame combined with projectable quickness and footspeed, along with a powerful shot,” reads his Elite Prospects scouting report.
This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM.
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