FORT LAUDERDALE - Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch, a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, drew standout praise from coaches and teammates for his leadership during last month’s development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex.
Charlotte Checkers head coach Geordie Kinnear singled out Busch’s influence on the group. “It’s contagious,” Kinnear said. “I think he loves to be at the rink and loves to be around his teammates. It’s no surprise that he had a good year [in the WHL] and he went a long way because when you have leaders that lead by example and are all about the guy beside them, it can go a long way. He stood out as a young kid [during his first camp]. I think this is his [second] development camp, and he really stood out in that area.”
Fellow Panthers prospect Ryder Cali echoed the assessment. “Definitely a leader,” Cali said. “He just loves breaking the ice.”
Busch, attending his second development camp with the organization, said he approached the week in Fort Lauderdale with a straightforward goal. “I just kind of wanted to meet some new guys and be a familiar face for people to talk to,” Busch said.
The Panthers hold their next prospect showcase when training camp opens ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.