The Tampa Bay Lightning organization has put in months of scouting and hours of preparation to make today a smashing success. In case you missed it, the National Hockey League’s entry draft is today. Currently holding the third overall pick, the Lightning organization has the power to make a franchise-shaping selection.
With a bounty of great players sure to be available in the three slot, Steve Yzerman and his staff are tasked with making the best selection for now and for the future. With needs on the wing, on defense, and at center ice, the Lightning could go in any direction with their choice. It’s going to be an exciting twenty-four hours, Bolts Nation.
Here are some final thoughts on each potential pick:
Nathan MacKinnon: While nobody, including me, expects Nathan MacKinnon to be available when the Lightning head to the podium with the third selection, it’s worth noting that he is arguably the best player available in this year’s draft. It’s often difficult to judge prospects at eighteen years of age, but MacKinnon’s work ethic and will to win make him as close to a sure thing as you’ll find in any draft. He’s impressive, he’s dangerous, and every scout loves him.
Seth Jones: When the Lightning's roundtable asked which potential pick I'd like to see in a Bolts jersey, my answer was Seth Jones. He is exactly what this Lightning team, and many teams around the league for that matter, is missing. He’s a big defender, a smooth-skating defender, and a skilled defender. With his NHL-ready frame and natural athletic ability, Jones should be ready to step onto any NHL roster. Not only would Jones fill the Lightning’s immediate hole on the blue line, but he would also solidify the team’s defense core for years to come.
Jonathan Drouin: When Martin St. Louis finally decides to hang up his skates, the Lightning are going to need an elite winger to line-up with Steven Stamkos. If finding that ‘replacement’ is a priority right now, the team should look no further than Jonathan Drouin. With incredible vision, disgustingly slick hands, and a winning track record, Drouin is quite possibly the most talented player in this year’s draft. While Drouin is small in stature, he plays a big game that should fit nicely into any team’s top six.
Aleksander Barkov: Described as a great two-way center, Barkov is a fantastically skilled player. Having played in the Finnish men’s league, Barkov is viewed by many scouts and pundits as being ready for the NHL level. With his penchant for contributing at both ends of the ice, Barkov is one of the more unique and intriguing prospects in the draft. He’s big, he’s skilled, and he knows how to navigate all two-hundred feet of ice. If the Lightning are looking for a potential replacement for Vincent Lecavalier, Barkov might be the right selection.
Valeri Nichushkin: Despite concerns stemming from various reports at the combine, Valeri Nichushkin is an undeniably gifted young man. Once again, we’re talking about a prospect with size and a willingness to make things happen. While inconsistent, the potential for greatness is so clearly locked within his six-foot-four frame. He can score, he can pass, and he can go to the net. When discussing a potential winger for Steven Stamkos, it’s very hard to ignore Nichushkin. Simply put, on many nights, Nichushkin is too much to handle for opposing players. As said, that's tough to ignore.
So, with all that in mind, it’s time for you to make your voice heard. Who would you like to see the Lightning select with the third overall pick? Are you leaning towards a winger, a centerman, or a defender? With so many options at play, there’s a lot to consider.
As I mentioned earlier, I’m on a flight to Toronto later today and as a result I’ll most likely miss the first hour of the draft. When I land, I’ll do my best to get caught up to speed so that I can publish a blog as soon as possible.
As always, thanks for reading.
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