Serron Noel goes early in 2nd round to Panthers

The Florida Panthers selected hulking winger Serron Noel with the 34th pick of the 2018 NHL draft Saturday.

Serron Noel

Position: Right Wing
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 209 lbs
Age: 17
Club: Oshawa (OHL)
Nationality: Canadian

(Stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)

One thing immediately stands out with Noel: his size. The 17-year-old has an NHL frame, and along with a reliable set of hands, has potential to develop into a steady net-front presence in the pros.

Noel is still a raw prospect, likely a couple years away from NHL service time, but holds the tools to be a worthwhile gamble. He entered the draft as the 10th-ranked North American skater, but his consistency in shooting the puck could use some work as he continues his path in the Panthers's organization.

"He's a young kid and it's scary to think about the player he'll be when he's fully developed. His skating is as close to NHL ready when he wants to skate. He can drive you wide and get around you, and he's got quick acceleration to separate himself from anyone," Karl Stewart of NHL Central Scouting said.