Lightning Look To Continue Draft Success

The NHL announced the order of selection for the 2016 Entry Draft yesterday afternoon. It’s an event that may not seem all that important for fans of teams picking outside of the top 10 but the Tampa Bay Lightning are a great example of the importance of scouting and their current roster reflects that. They have a knack of finding hidden gems even in later rounds. Look no further than Ondrej Palat (208 overall).

Buffalo will host this year’s Draft at the First Niagara Center on June 24-25^th. Here’s a breakdown of Tampa Bay’s picks by round:

First Round – 27

Second Round – 44 (acquired from Boston in Brett Connolly trade), 58

Third Round – 88

Fourth Round – 118

Fifth Round– 148

Sixth Round–  178

Seventh Round– 206, 208

The Bolts hold three of the top 60 picks. Steve Yzerman has been reasonably successful in that range since assuming the position of Lightning GM. In 2011 Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikita Kucherov were selected 27^th and 58^th overall respectively. In 2012 Slater Koekkoek was taken 10^th and Andrei Vasilevskiy was drafted 19^th. Jonathan Drouin was selected 3^rd overall in 2013 and Adam Erne 33^rd. 2014 saw Anthony DeAngelo drafted 19^th. At last year’s draft in Sunrise, Mitchell Stephens was selected 33^rd and Matthew Spencer 44^th.

Tampa Bay has developed a flair for finding the right players for their system and it’s paying off. Their depth and ability of their young players is outstanding. There’s no reason to believe that will change this year. Keep a close eye on the young men who join the Lightning organization next weekend. If recent history is any indication you’ll be seeing them at Amalie Arena sooner rather than later.

(Feature Photo/Christine Gunn)

Follow me on Twitter @alexis_b82 and please “like” LightningShout on Facebook. You can email us at [email protected].