On Wednesday, Lawson Crouse was the only one of six highly touted draft prospects to belt a home run during batting practice at Marlins Park. On Friday evening, the Panthers believe they hit a home run when General Manager Dale Tallon gave the honor to Bill Torrey, the franchise’s original president, to announce the selection of Crouse with the 11th pick of the first round of the NHL Draft in a packed BB&T Center. While thousands of fans were there to welcome expected Nos.1 and 2, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel to Edmonton and Buffalo respectively, the loudest roar erupted when the Panthers added the 6-foot-4, 213-pound bruising left wing to a roster of talented skilled players that some times lacks offensive punch and toughness. Baseballs aren’t the only things he hits. “I love to hit. I’m a very physical player and I don’t mind a fight either,’’ said Crouse, who led the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) with 29 goals and 22 points in 56 games. On Thursday, Crouse and the prospects went for an airboat ride in the Everglades where he ate a worm to win a $100 bet from McDavid. He had 70 penalty minutes this season and earned a suspension for jumping over the boards after an opposing player who took liberties with a teammate. - See more at:http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...-panthers-11th-draft-pick-20150626-story.html
