This has been something of a lost season for Florida Panthers prospect and Rochester right wing Anthony Stewart, who was sidelined in November with a severe wrist injury while on recall with Florida.
He underwent surgery and after a stiff rehab, and hopes to return soon after the Olympic break.
Stewart seemed headed big things this year. He was recalled by the Panthers after just four games in the AHL with the Americans, having tallied two goals and three assists.
Had he been eligible a year earlier, Stewart, who has all the makings of a big time power forward, would no doubt have been scooped up much earlier than the 25th spot Florida scooped him up in 2003.
As it was, that NHL draft year was a banner one for large, muscular wingers. Thomas Vanek, Dustin Brown, Steve Bernier (39), and Eric Fehr (5) all went ahead of him, leaving Florida to reap Stewart's benefits.
While Fehr has lived up to his top billing, the Panthers player has surpassed several of his peers from the Class of 2003 including Bernier.
Stewart played for the OHL Kingston Frontenacs from 2001 to 2005, with playoff appearances in 2001 and 2004. Stewart put up good numbers from 2002 until suiting up for the Amerks.
Stewart is at his best in the middle of heavy traffic, using his strength to gain hard-earned scoring chances from close range.
Had he been healthier, his stock in our rankings would have increased. As is, with the wrecked wrist we still believe that he drops into top of the transcendent twenties at No. 22, the fourth best right wing in the MLN FAB50 Hockey 2006 rankings.
