Crouse has been projected to be a top - six forward .
The Panthers only had one slot for Crouse on a crowded , defensive - oriented fourth line that includes veterans Shawn Thornton and Derek MacKenzie .
Crouse has been projected to be a top - six forward , and the Panthers only had one slot for him on a crowded , defensive - oriented fourth line that includes veterans Shawn Thornton and Derek MacKenzie .