Nathan Horton
Nathan Horton was drafted 3rd overall by the Panthers in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft and played 55 games, scoring 14 goals and 8 assists for 22 points and 57 penalty minutes in his rookie season. Before being drafted, he had played two very successful years in the OHL on the Oshawa Generals.
Horton's best year was certainly his last one. In the 2006-2007 season, he scored a total of 62 points in 82 games, with 31 goals and 31 assists. Horton also shot the puck more than ever before, with a sizable 217 shots in goal for the season.
The Panthers have a lot riding on the development of Horton into a star forward, as they have recently signed him to a six-year deal worth $24 million. He'll have to overcome some of the lagging in his early career due to injuries, but Horton does have what it takes to develop into a strong power forward in the NHL.
The 2006-2007 season was the first time that he's played a full season at any level of play, as his style may be a bit too reckless to keep him injury-free for one whole year. Still, that type of reckless abandon may be helpful for the Panthers as Horton seems willing to do just about anything to help his team win. The Panthers are certainly hoping he can become more consistent and one day lead the Panthers in goals.
|
