Top NHL Prospects Dine with Panthers at 2026 Scouting Combine

The 2026 NHL Draft scouting combine is in full swing in Buffalo, gathering 80 of this year’s most promising prospects for a series of medical evaluations, physical tests, and crucial conversations with general managers and media from around the league.

With the Florida Panthers holding the ninth overall pick in the draft, they find themselves in a unique position. While their NHL roster is relatively solid, their prospect pool has been significantly impacted by trades for established stars like Seth Jones and Brad Marchand. The Panthers haven’t made a first-round selection since 2021 when they chose Mackie Samoskevich with the 24th overall pick.

During the combine, players undergo various assessments and engage with teams, many of which are taking prospects out for dinner to foster a deeper understanding of potential draftees. On Saturday, two prospects, Viggo Bjorck and Daxon Rudolph, confirmed they had been invited to dinner by the Florida Panthers.

Bjorck, an undersized center from Sweden, has made a name for himself by excelling in junior hockey and competing at a high level in the SHL, which is considered one of the strongest hockey leagues globally. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Bjorck possesses the skill set of a top-five pick; however, his smaller stature has caused some teams to hesitate.

On the other hand, Rudolph stands tall at 6-foot-3 and is a right-handed defenseman who delivered an impressive offensive season in the WHL. His statistics and defensive capabilities rank among the best in the draft, yet concerns about his skating speed have tempered his appeal. Given his size and skill, Rudolph could easily become the top prospect in the Panthers’ system.

While the Panthers are likely evaluating many players at the combine, the potential availability of Bjorck or Rudolph at pick No. 9 would present them with an opportunity to select the best player available, enhancing their future prospects.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.