Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Review

[Jets GM]

(since I don't have a pick till the 4th round, decided to do a review/update of last year)

Name: Nikita Zaytsev (3rd/62nd)
Position: D
Junior Affiliation: Sibir Novosibirsk RUS
Potential: 2nd Pairing defensemen
Status: TRADED
Bio: Nikita Zaystev has been through a lot, traded 3 separate times last season and twice by the Lightning. Coming out of draft, he was moved immediately to the Colorado Avalanche in a deal landing the Bolt's power forward Ryan Stoa. Before he could pack his bags and head for Denver, the cash strapped Lightning traded Rob Blake for Zaystev and reacquired there first pick in the 2010 draft. A tough transition year coming from the RUS elite league, Zaystev struggled early on with the Norfolk Admirals posting a -20 in 72 games during the regular season. However, improved offensive output along with rounding out physically towards the end of the season saw Zaystev join the Lightning on there very brief Stanley Cup run. The trade bug has once again bit Nikita, being used as the key piece to acquire Marc-Édouard Vlasic this off season. While Zaystev might not ever crack a contending teams top 4, he can definitely be relied upon a steady stay at defensmen who can move the puck out of the defensive zone safely.

Name: Johan Larsson (3rd/71st)
Position: LW
Junior Affiliation: Brynas Jr. SWE
Potential/Likelihood: Top 6 Forward
Status: Up in the Air
Bio: The Lightning switched from a safe pick in Zaystev to a boom or bust in Johan Larsson 71st overall. Home run or strike out, knock out or be knocked out, live by the sword and die by it. All apply to the Johan. Larsson had a dominant season in the Swedish elite league, posting 59 points in 57 games and was a surprise omission in Team Swedens world junior roster. He'll make the trip overseas for a second year in a row hoping to impress Lightning brass and earn a spot either with the Lighting or there AHL affiliate, relatively young still Larsson needs to show that he's ready to take the next step in his evolution as a hockey player. Failure to do so could result in him fading in to obscurity in Sweden.

Name: Jani Hakanpaa (3rd/73rd)
Position: D
Junior Affiliation: Kiekko-Vantaa U18 FIN
Potential/Likelihood: 1st Pairing defensemen
Status: Up in the Air
Bio: If the Lightning have a choice between Johan Larsson or Jani Hakanpaa filling there potential, a year ago they probably wouldn't of cared and just been happy to have found one diamond in the rough. One year later, there is now a clear gap in the Lightnings prospect depth chart. To put it simply, there is Jani Hakanpaa and then there is everyone else. No one was surprised when Hakanpaa was named to his second tour of duty with Team Finlands world junior squad, however eyebrows were definitely raised when he was not only named but secured a roster spot over some NHL veterans for Team Finland in the World Championships. 60 points in 57 games for his Finnish club squad, seemingly never out of position in any zone of the ice and a 6'4 frame that when physically developed could become a devastating physical presence to go along with his offensive prowess. Needless to say, if Hakanpaa reaches his potential he could be one of the greatest players to ever come out of Finland.

Name: Kent Simpson (3rd/82nd)
Position: G
Junior Affiliation: Everett Silvertips WHL
Potential: Starting Goalie
Status: Real Deal
Bio: Simpson impressed in his first year of pro hockey with the Norfolk Admirals, a sub 2 GAA and 8 SO were enough to impress Lightning brass to move backup Dustin Tokarski to make room for Simpson to take the next step for the upcoming season. Playing behind the defensive oriented Lightning, Simpson appears to have enough talent and consistency to one day be a starting goaltender, however he'll first have to prove he can shoulder the workload and the pressure of playing in the NHL before he'll be handed the starters job after Martin Brodeur either retires or is traded.

Name: Tyler Pitlick (3rd/88th)
Position: C
Junior Affiliation: Minnesota State USA
Potential: Top 6 forward
Status: Up in the Air
Bio: Pitlick had a dominant season at Minnesota St. Mankato. 49 points in 29 games, along with a gold medal in the World Juniors capped an impressive season in terms of offensive output and success for the Pitlackian one. Doubts still remain about how well his offensive oriented game will translate in the pro's, he'll most likely fall short of a top 6 role so it will be up to Pitlick to round out his game to be able to become a bottom 6 forward with some offensive upside. Getting in better shape and becoming more physical would go a long way in Pitlicks NHL bid, for now he'll most likely play another year for Minnesota State.

Name: Kevin Hayes (3rd/89th)
Position: RW
Junior Affiliation: Nobles USA
Potential: Top 6 forward
Status: TRADED
Bio: Like Zaystev, Hayes was a bargaining chip in the recent Vlasic deal. While Hayes lit the lamp with 32 goals in 30 games this season, he was left off the World Junior team for a second straight year and still is unwilling to use his 6'5 frame to his advantage. Appearing almost allergic to physical contact, Hayes quickly fell out of favor with Lightning brass. Concerns over the lack of physical of play, on and off the ice were enough to make Hayes available and when San Jose came calling it became apparent Hayes days in the Lightning organization were numbered. His two-way game might be enough to be a depth player at the NHL level, but if he would start hitting Hayes could be so much more.

4th Round and beyond: Joakim Nordstrom (4th Round, #4/5 Centermen), Louis Domingue (4th Round, CUT), Michael Chaput (6th Round, CUT), Sondre Olden (7th Round, CUT)