NHL Draft 2014: Tampa Bay Lightning Select Anthony DeAngelo
By Dan Herrejon
With the #19 pick in the NHL Draft 2014, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Anthony DeAngelo, a 5’10” offensive defenseman. Lightning G.M. Steve Yzerman drafted the young D-man who played the last three seasons with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL.
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The drafting of Anthony DeAngelo means that the Lightning have bolstered their defensive prospects in the organization. As the team has promoted several of the organization’s young players from Syracuse, the need to restock their depleted AHL affiliate team was paramount. No official word as to where Anthony DeAngelo will play this fall.
As Al Murray, Lightning Director of Amateur Scouting has said, this draft may not have the superstar Forwards or Defenseman that are NHL ready but it does have many very good “support” players. DeAngelo may fit this description well.
After making news this afternoon by acquiring defenseman, Jason Garrison, from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the second round #50 pick in this year’s draft, Yzerman addressed a big need with the top 4 blue liner. He continued to address the defense with the first of two first round picks.
The scouting profile on Anthony DeAngelo is mixed to say the least. On one hand, he is an explosive offensive player, scoring 15 goals and 51 assists for a total of 76 points with Sarnia last year in 56 total games. On the other hand, he was suspended twice for violating the OHL’s policy on harassment and abuse/diversity policy.
Here is a video link interviewing Anthony DeAngelo, specifically asking about the NHL Draft as well as the suspensions in the OHL.
The other potential challenge for DeAngelo will be his size. At 5’10” he is on the small side for an NHL defenseman. His play in the OHL would indicate, his size is a non-factor. The NHL may be a different story. Time will tell.
The Lightning still has a second first round draft pick, # 28 coming from the Marty St. Louis/Ryan Callahan trade. Barring a trade, Bolts by the Bay will provide you the background information on that selection moments after it happens.