2018 NHL mock draft: Eastern Conference teams

15. Florida Panthers – Ryan McLeod

McLeod probably won’t be drafted as high as his older brother, Michael, who was taken by the New Jersey Devils 12th overall two years ago. He is still a player to look at in the 11-20 range. In an NHL where speed is getting more and more important, there aren’t that many better skaters in the draft. He might not be that elite center that all teams want, but there is nothing stopping him from being a reliable top-six guy in your lineup.

McLeod is another player who had a late birthday and has three seasons of junior experience under his belt already. That showed in his play with the Mississauga Steelheads this season. In 68 games, he scored 26 goals and 70 points.

The teams wasn’t as strong as it was the year prior, but that didn’t stop him from being what he was. Playing with his brother probably helps, but that’s something that probably won’t happen in the NHL. That doesn’t mean he won’t be playing with another teammate if the Panthers take him.

Owen Tippett was drafted by the Panthers last year. He played seven games with them before being sent back to the Steelheads. Having that chemistry already could really help the Panthers take the next step down the road as the Atlantic Division becomes an even tougher road to the playoffs. They also need something else to talk about after the mess that the expansion draft was for them last year. Adding another exciting player like McLeod could help with that.