ST. CATHARINES, Ontario — Pano Fimis is a highly skilled, right-handed sniper currently playing for the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs. The 17-year-old centreman isn’t noted for his size; he stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 174 pounds. But his speed, agility, offensive awareness, passing skill, and quick shot provide him with significant offensive value. A self-described leader, Fimis strives to work with his teammates to maximize their potential.

Fimis became a notable prospect in the 2019-2020 season while playing for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA team. During this year, he scored 41 goals and 63 assists for 104 points in 59 games, all while maintaining a 65% face-off percentage. This amazing performance would net him the second place in league scoring.

Fimis demonstrated maturity and leadership throughout the year as the Jr. Canadiens team captain, ultimately leading the team to win the GTHL Minor Midget Championship that year.

The hockey star’s hot streak would continue as he was selected to play for team Canada’s U16 team.

Fimis was drafted second overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection by the Niagara IceDogs. In a well-spoken address through social media, he expressed excitement to play for the organization and fans.

What was supposed to be Fimis’ debut OHL season, unfortunately would be canceled. The developmental impact of this missing year to Fimis’ play is abundantly clear.

So far this season Fimis is -2, with two goals and three assists for five points in nine games.

Fimis was projected to be a late first-round pick to middle second-round pick in the 2022 NHL entry draft. But these projections are based on his performance at the GTHL level.

If Fimis maintains this disappointing scoring pace, he will surely fall in the draft. Alternatively, if he turns out of this slump, he could exceed his previous projections. This season is Fimis’ opportunity to make a big name for himself in the NHL scouting community.

Fimis states that he aims to model his playstyle after his favourite hockey player, Jonathan Toews. If this means that he is taking a more defensive role as a two-way forward, then his value isn’t entirely based on his scoring. But the more valuable metric to measure the defensive competence of a two-way forward is plus/minus, where Fimis is currently sitting negative on the season.

If this is a short-term slump, then Fimis needs to start indicating where he can be valuable as soon as possible. If this lack of production is notable in the long term, scouts will be turned off from Fimis and his NHL entry draft value will drop significantly from current projections.

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