After selecting Jonathan Drouin with the third overall pick, the Lightning selected Adam Erne of the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL with the 33rd pick.
According to Corey Pronman:
“Erne is a speedy power forward that drives the net, wins battles and has above-average skill to boot.”
Hockey’s Future says of Erne:
“A fleet-footed power forward, Erne blows by, or more often, right through defenders as he drives to the net. Though he plays a hard-nosed game, he also has soft hands and a blistering shot that he’s able to fire off quickly. Blending offensive skill and physical prowess, Erne’s multi-faceted style means he could fill many roles at the pro level. Some of that will depend on his consistency as he continues to develop.”
Tampa Bay’s next selection came at number 124 where they picked Latvian 
goalie Kristers Gudlevskis. The 20 year old is currently playing for HK Riga of Minor Hockey League. He played for HK Ogre teams before joining HK Riga.
With the 154th pick, the Bolts selected Finnish forward Henri Ikonen of the Kingston Frontenacs in the OHL. Hockey’s Future describes Ikonen:
“Overshadowed by some of the highly-skilled offensive talents coming out of Finland, Ikonen, no relation to Espoo Blues 2013
draft-eligible Juuso Ikonen, has the size and instincts to play a sound two-way game and is adept at setting up plays and creating opportunities for his linemates. He proved durable enough to play a North American-style game while skating for the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. Not a pure goal scorer, he is capable of contributing offensively while playing all aspects of the game.”
draft-eligible Juuso Ikonen, has the size and instincts to play a sound two-way game and is adept at setting up plays and creating opportunities for his linemates. He proved durable enough to play a North American-style game while skating for the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs. Not a pure goal scorer, he is capable of contributing offensively while playing all aspects of the game.”The Lightning’s last two picks were at 184 and 186. Tampa Bay selected center Saku Salminen from Jokerit in the Finnish Elite League and right wing Joel Vermin, currently playing for SC Bern in Switzerland respectively.
A Finnish scout described Salminen as:
“A player who has done very well defensively, but the offensive potential is not the best. Plus skating is not a strength to me at this point. But he wins face-offs and is defensively a responsible player. Hopefully he will work on those mentioned weaknesses.”
“A player who has done very well defensively, but the offensive potential is not the best. Plus skating is not a strength to me at this point. But he wins face-offs and is defensively a responsible player. Hopefully he will work on those mentioned weaknesses.”
Elite Prospects describes Vermin as:
“A smart forward with a lot of offensive tools. Has a nice set of
hands, good puck control and is poised with the puck on his stick. Can make high-light reel moves, but needs to get stronger, as he shies away from contact and can easily get pushed around.”
hands, good puck control and is poised with the puck on his stick. Can make high-light reel moves, but needs to get stronger, as he shies away from contact and can easily get pushed around.”
It is interesting to note that GM Steve Yzerman chose not to draft a defenseman, an obvious need of the team. Look for the Bolts to take care of that need in free agency or through a trade.
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