One To Watch: Tampa Bay Lightning

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It probably surprised a lot of people when the Lighting sent 1st round pick Jonathan Drouin back to junior a few weeks ago. I think that it's a positive reflection of where the franchise is though, that a young player as uber-talented as he is, even Drouin couldn't crack this year's roster. That's a good thing. 

It's equally encouraging to see the roster and note a few players who have worked their way into the NHL through the team's AHL development system; another sign that the organization is doing things the right way. Alex Killorn, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Richard Panik and Radko Gudas are prime examples of that type of success. 

2012 Choice: Nikita Kucherov - The talented Russian had a strong season in the QMJHL after overcoming an injury and a trade from the Quebec Remparts to Rouyn-Noranda. It was then pretty poetic that Kucherov's 6-point night eliminated Patrick Roy's Remparts from the playoffs. This year Kucherov is on the farm in Syrachuse and already producing at well over a point per game pace. 

My 2013-14 selection as One To Watch for Tampa Bay comes after the jump.  

One To Watch: Tampa Bay Lightning

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It's been fun to watch the evolution of the Lighting over the last few years. The addition of Steve Yzerman brought a certain level of confidence that had been missing. From the outside looking in it seems like there is a new personnel, new uniforms and a new attitude.   

I've liked Al Murray for a long time and think he's an excellent scout. Coincidentally, I live in a small town outside of Edmonton of less than 10,000 people and so does another member of the Tampa scouting staff who I run into from time to time. I've come to have a bit of a soft spot for the club and appreciate the turnaround that's occured. 

As for the prospects in the system, or "The Pipeline" as the team calls it on their website (I approve of the free publicity for my show, btw), there is lots to like. 

One of the first things I see when I look at the list is a large number of Europeans; I may be wrong but I get the sense that the Blots have more than most NHL clubs. If I'm not wrong in saying that then the question is why? There is a general hesitancy in drafting them because it can be tough to bring them over. Perhaps the thought is that the old real estate adage works for European hockey prospects too; location, location, location. That Florida sunshine must be pretty attractive.

Vlad Namestnikov, Nikita Gusev, Radko Gudas and Andrei Vasilevskiy are some of the more recognizable names with Euro passports.

Not that there aren't homegrown talents in the system as well. Dustin Tokarski had a sniff in the NHL last year. Slater Koekkoek and Dylan Blujus are recent additions on the back end. Tyler Johnson had a great year in the AHL as a rookie. 

The player I chose for this series doesn't hail from North America although he may play here this coming season and how that came to be is a story within itself.         

Connolly now a Former Prince George Cougar

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The 9 game struck and Brett Connolly was still around the Tampa Bay dressing room as the Lightning made it official, Brett Connolly had made their club. Once he plays his 10th NHL game (Thursday vs. Nashville) a year of his contract will kick in. Tuesday night we had Al Bristowe from PGTV on the show to discuss whether or not Connolly would stick, and recently Guy wrote a piece about decision time for NHL teams.

First Impression of Sean Couturier

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Drummondville center Sean Couturier was a one man wrecking crew before leaving for Canada's World Junior team camp. He racked up 17 points in his last 6 games and had back to back 4 point outings. The surge has vaulted the potential first overall pick to 2nd in Q scoring.

Last year he led the QMJHL in scoring with 96 points, 41 of them goals in 68 games. Even as a rookie he was pretty special and gained some valuable championship experience going to the Memorial Cup. But don't take my word for it, hear it from his first junior coach. I chatted with Guy Boucher after Tampa Bay's game against Edmonton on Friday and we'll bring you that conversation Tuesday night on The Pipeline Show.

Boucher coached Couturier for just one season but saw something special right away, and is certain he'll be an NHL star one day.

If you're in the Edmonton area you can catch the conversation on the TEAM 1260, or you can listen on line and get the whole guest list at www.thepipelineshow.com where the interview will be archived later that evening. As usual show time is from 7-9 pm mst.

This n' That - August 2010

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With the Iva Hlinka Memorial Tournament now in the books, the 2010-11 hockey season is officially underway. There are a plethora of items to discuss these days and this as good a time and place to do it as any other. With that said, here are some things kicking around the cranium right now...

6th - Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Preview

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There's a reason why I like this choice of alternate look that Tampa went with. I couldn't place my finger on it at first, normally I find simple script to be a little too... simple. When Colorado or Pittsburgh did it, or even the Rangers, I found it boring and lacking in imagination. Not that this is overly creative but it is different in one sense; it's not the team's name but rather its nickname.

It's like Montreal using 'Habs' or Toronto opting for 'Buds'. Choosing 'Bolts' is unique and I like that.

Arniel a Good Fit For Jackets

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After the stunning news that Hamilton Bulldogs head coach Guy Boucher said no to the Columbus Blue Jackets bench boss, word is that Manitoba Moose head coach Scott Arniel has taken the job.

I'm happy for Arniel, who is a former Winnipeg Jet and has done a great job with the Manitoba Moose the past 4 years taking them to the Calder Cup and being named AHL coach of the year in 2009. His teams in Winnipeg were always top 3 in goals against without sacrificing offence.

Could The Lightning Be A Trading Partner For Edmonton?

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Tampa Bay finished the season strong this year...so strong they played themselves out of a lottery pick. They also played so bad this year that they finished 6th worst in the league and watched their head coach and GM get the axe. Now there's word that Martin St. Louis might want out...or atleast he wants to win now. You can read his comments in a story that Jonathan Willis wrote here. And click to read on about why Tbay might make a good trading partner for the Oil.

Lightning Prospect Snap Shot

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The Tampa Bay Lightning joined the league back in 1992 and have had a roller coaster existence over their 18-year history. They've finished dead last in the standings, they've won the Stanley Cup, drafted 1st overall three times, played in front of over 28,000 people in an indoor game yet have had numerous off-ice problems as well.

There are a lot of critics when it comes to the idea of hockey in Florida and yet Tampa Bay appears to be one of the more viable locations of the Southern based franchises.

There are superstars on the Tampa roster including perennial all-stars like Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Strong draft position in recent years has allowed the team to add franchise players like Steven Stamkos and defenceman Victor Hedman to build a solid future around.

Here is a look at some of the other promising players coming down the pipe for the Tampa bay Lightning...