"The Panthers currently have their deepest crop of prospects in franchise history, with a handful of the youngsters expected to seriously compete for roster spots on this year's team.

For players such as Erik Gudbranson, Jonathan Huberdeau, Quinton Howden and others, their road to the opening-night roster officially begins on Saturday when Florida's rookie camp opens in Coral Springs.

Gudbranson is the most likely prospect to make it. The third overall pick in 2010, the hulking defenseman was on the cusp of making last year's squad, but the two sides couldn't come to terms on a contract. That's not the case this year, as Gudbranson signed an entry-level deal with the team following the end of Florida's development camp in July.

The Panthers first practice at the Coral Springs IcePlex is Saturday at 9 a.m. Admission is free."