The Florida Panthers have selected Sandis Vilmanis with the 157th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
Sandis Vilmanis
Vilmanis, 18, played for Luleå HF’s junior system last season. The left winger recorded five points in three games for the Luleå U-18 junior team. After this dominant start, Vilmanis, was promoted to the U-20 junior team. In the J20 Nationell, he recorded a 0.8 point per game average. Similar to prior Panthers pick Ludvig Jansson, Vilmanis will likely remain in Europe next season.
The Latvian has a more complete frame as his 6’1″ height matches his 194 pound weight. With his complete frame, Vilmanis plays tough while possessing elegant puck handling and skating. With the puck all is well, but the Riga native will need to improve his play off the puck to take the next step. Vilmanis is ranked 39th among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. This is another solid overseas pick by Florida.
Panthers Picks
3rd Round, 93rd Overall: Marek Alscher, D, Portland (WHL)
4th Round, 125th Overall: Ludvig Jansson, D, Södertälje SK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
5th Round, 157th Overall: Sandis Vilmanis, LW, Luleå HF J20 (J20 Nationell)
6th Round, 186th Overall:
6th Round, 189th Overall:
7th Round, 221st Overall: