Currently, the Panthers have 16 forwards fighting for 12 spots for the opening night tilt with Tampa Bay, and there’s always a chance someone really impresses in camp, too. Which forwards will be the odd ones out?
For most of last season, the Panthers carried 14 forwards, so for the sake of this exercise, let’s assume the Panthers will carry 14 for October 6th against the Lightning. There aren’t many questions as to who will start in the top six, so let’s focus on the bottom six.
It appears Bob Boughner and his staff want Henrik Borgstrom to predominantly play center, and with Barkov and Trocheck entrenched in their spots, Borgstrom likely starts off as the third center.