AHL: Panthers on the Prowl

With several Rochester Americans' defensemen recently called up to Buffalo due to injuries, Florida Panther prospects like Jordan Henry are seeing more playing time with their dual-affiliate club. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson looks at Henry, as well as teammates Drew Larman, Martin Lojek, Peter Aston and David Brine.

Drew Larman (Fla), C, Rochester Americans

Well-built pivot (6-3, 200) with good range and sufficient skating abilities .. possesses the size and hands to work effectively along the boards but lacks the offensive prowess and agility to go 1-on-1 with opponents and beat them in open ice .. he makes up for this with his solid two-way play, as his coverage capabilities allow him to defend and kill penalties

Martin Lojek (Fla), D, Rochester Americans

Hulkish defenseman (6-5, 230) who underutilizes his size .. Lojek's long reach and adequate mobility make him an effective defender when playing the puck .. however, he could add another element to his game by being more physical .. a regular contributor on special teams, as his bulky frame can be employed in both ends .. for example, he can clog up space on the PK, while his powerful slapshot from the point and part-time duties in the slot (one-timers) can prove beneficial on the man advantage .. does not possess great speed but can show urgency and win races to the puck when necessary .. also capable of bringing the puck up ice, though this is a rare occurrence

Peter Aston (Fla), D, Rochester Americans

One of the better puck-moving defensemen on the team .. his speedy feet and passing game allow him to escape pressure situations in the defensive end but improper positioning can be his downfall at times .. used primarily for his offensive skills, as he can skate the puck out of his own end and initiate the attack in transition .. owns an effective wrister and slapshot, which he utilizes well on the PP

Jordan Henry (Fla), D, Rochester Americans

An in-your-face-type-of defenseman who loves to initiate contact .. effective at playing the puck but prefers to close the gaps and harass opponents on a consistent basis .. excels at pushing opponents off the puck .. though he can get beat by quicker players, his ability to stay in front of the man and play the body makes him one of the better shutdown defensemen on the team .. currently one of the team's leaders with a minus-3 rating

David Brine (Fla), C, Rochester Americans

A pesky pivot that is not afraid to throw his weight around and will battle diligently along the boards .. possesses quality wheels and transitions well .. known for his backchecking abilities, as he is a defensive-minded forward who sees significant time on the PK .. also sees time on the PP but needs to improve his play in the circle