Tampa Bay Lightning Forecast: Defense Edition

Apr 21, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman

(3) shoots against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

#3 Keith Aulie

2013 (NHL): 45-2-5-7

2013 (AHL): 20-3-3-6

Keith Aulie earned a regular spot with the Lightning last year and wound up appearing in 45 games as a 23 year-old. Believe it or not, it was a large step forward for Aulie. By year’s end, he was playing significantly more minutes than he was at the year’s beginning.

Aulie, 6’6, is one of several towering Tampa Bay Lightning defensemen. But unlike the other giants, Aulie’s main attribute is his size. And that means the more physical he plays, the more likely it is he’ll be rewarded with icetime. He’s never going to be a big scorer or a powerplay guy, but he could turn into a solid shutdown defenseman who can put some bruises on the opposing team.

This year, Aulie will be in a dog fight for playing time. Fellow skyscraper Andrej Sustr made the team out of camp, and is more of an offensive threat but doesn’t have Aulie’s feisty edge. Aulie would be best served forgetting all about offense and focusing on what he does best – playing mean, nasty hockey.

If Aulie fails to crack the lineup on a consistent basis, well, there is at least a silver lining — at just 24, he still has some trade value. I don’t see the Lightning risking him on waivers.

What he provides: Sandpaper on the back end, not a bad heavyweight fight option.

Where he’ll play: 6th/7th defenseman (when the Bolts dress seven), might be a healthy scratch if rookies excel.

Best case scenario: Consistent, gritty play.

Worst case scenario: Can’t crack the lineup, fails to garner trade interest and winds up on waivers.

Forecast: A little of column A, a little of column B. Solid play but some healthy scratch nights, 10-15 points in 65-70 games, 13-15 minutes per game.