"Zach Hyman was deemed the best-ever selection at 123rd overall. The Panthers took Hyman with the third pick of the fifth round in 2010 NHL Entry Draft after he racked up 35 goals and 75 points for the Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL. When Hyman completed his college career at the University of Michigan, the Cats tried to sign him to an entry-level contract, but failed."
"The next Panthers prospect to appear on the list is Iiro Pakarinen, who was named the best player taken at 184th overall. A versatile forward with some skill, Pakarinen was the third pick of seventh round of the 2011 draft. Unable to work out a contract with the Cats, Pakarinen continued his development in Finland's Liiga with KalPa. On May 3, 2012, he joined HIFK as a free agent on a two-year contract before finally coming to North America, signing as a free agent with Edmonton on June 16, 2014. Pakarinen played parts of four seasons with the Oilers before returning to Europe. He appeared in a total of 134 NHL games, producing 10 goals and 13 assists."
"Florida's third and final entry on the list actually played for them after being drafted. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar made it to the NHL after being selected with the 206th overall pick in 2013."
ESPN ranked the best NHL draft pick ever at each draft slot from No. 1 to 224 and named Mario Lemieux the greatest first overall pick. Three former Florida Panthers draftees appeared on that list: Zach Hyman, Iiro Pakarinen, and MacKenzie Weegar. Hyman was a 2010 fifth-round pick who posted 35 goals and 75 points in junior play, later had his rights traded to Toronto, and has accumulated 653 NHL games with 230 goals and 443 points. Pakarinen was a 2011 seventh-round pick who developed in Finland, signed with Edmonton in 2014, and totaled 134 NHL games with 10 goals and 13 assists. Weegar reached the NHL after being taken 206th overall in 2013.
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