2013 NHL Draft: Breaking It Down for the Tampa Bay Lightning

#3 Overall – Jonathan Drouin, Left Wing, Halifax Mooseheads – Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Jonathan Drouin poses for a photo as he is introduced as the number three overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Let me start off by saying that this kid is pure talent. As soon as I first laid eyes on his scouting profile, I knew that he was the first pick for the Lightning.

During the draft broadcast on NBC Sports, Drouin was referred to as the ‘Human Highlight Reel’.

Last season with the Halifax Mooseheads, the 18-year old Quebec native scored 41 goals and 64 assists for a career high 105 points to go along with his plus-48 rating. During the post season, he added another 12 goals and 23 assists which added another 35 points to his total.

Dan Marr, the NHL Director of Central Scouting is rather impressed with Drouin.

"His hockey sense and playmaking abilities are just over the top. He’s one of those ‘thread the needle’ passers. He can be on the ice, and he can create a play out of nothing that’s there.”"

Who does that sound like to you?

If you said Lightning RW Martin St. Louis, you would be correct. In fact, St. Louis is who the NHL Scouting community has compared Drouin’s play style to.

Can you imagine the things that he’ll be able to accomplish if you stick him on a line with Lightning center Steven Stamkos? The only thing I can say about that is: “Is it October yet?”

Below is Drouin’s scouting video from the NHL. I think after you have seen this, you will have a much better understanding of what I have been raving about.

Video courtesy of NHL.com