The Florida Panthers have selected Simas Ignatavicius with the 40th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Ignatavicius, a forward, was chosen during the second round of the draft held on Saturday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. His selection marks a significant step in his hockey journey, which began unexpectedly during a family outing.
Ignatavicius, known as “Iggy” in the locker room, was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Lithuanian parents. His family relocated back to Europe when he was young. His introduction to hockey occurred during a trip to a mall in Lithuania, where he observed a practice session while having pizza with his father. This initial encounter sparked his interest in the sport, leading him to pursue hockey in a country with limited ice rinks.
Path to Professional Hockey
Growing up in an athletic environment, Ignatavicius’s father, Mantas, played professional basketball for approximately 15 years. Despite his father’s basketball background, Ignatavicius developed a strong preference for hockey. Mantas recalled bringing his son to basketball practices, only for Ignatavicius to express a desire to return to hockey, finding basketball too slow.
At the age of 12, Ignatavicius received an offer to play hockey in Switzerland, a move that required him to leave home. This moment solidified his father’s belief in his son’s potential to make hockey a profession. Before signing the contract, Ignatavicius discussed the decision with his father, who emphasized the sacrifices involved. Ignatavicius’s immediate and unwavering commitment confirmed his seriousness about the sport to his father.
Ignatavicius’s journey to the NHL draft is unique, as he becomes only the third Lithuanian player ever drafted into the league. He joins Darius Kasparaitis, who was selected fifth overall in 1992, and Dainius Zubrus, chosen 15th overall in 1996. This achievement highlights his distinctive path from a country where hockey is not as prevalent.
Performance and Scouting Report
During the 2025-26 season, Ignatavicius primarily played for Geneve-Servette HC in the National League. In 52 games with the team, he recorded seven goals and six assists, accumulating 13 points. Geneve-Servette finished third in the NL with a record of 31 wins, 18 losses, and 3 ties. In the playoffs, he contributed two goals and one assist for three points in 11 games before Geneve-Servette was eliminated in the semifinals.
Additionally, Ignatavicius had a loan stint with HC Thurgau in the Swiss League, where he tallied seven goals and four assists for 11 points in eight games. He also played for Geneve-Servette’s U21 team, achieving four goals and three assists for seven points in four games, along with one assist in two relegation games. Despite being born in the United States, Ignatavicius has represented Lithuania in international competitions.
Scouting reports noted Ignatavicius’s versatility and impact on the game. He was projected to be selected around 35th overall across various draft rankings, with projections ranging from as high as 27th to as low as 52nd. NHL Central Scouting ranked him 10th among European skaters. One prospect analyst described him as a 6-foot-3 forward with a strong shot release, defensive capabilities, and significant skill, making him a notable prospect from Switzerland’s top league.
His selection by the Florida Panthers represents a significant milestone for Ignatavicius, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He views this as a dream come true, marking the culmination of a journey that started with a simple observation during a pizza outing.
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft took place on Saturday, June 27.
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Source: nhl.com
