Tampa Bay Lightning: Special Draft Class Of 2011

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Apr 16, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov (89) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) works out prior to the game against the Detroit Red Wings in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Drafting, a pivotal part in any effort to sustain success in the National Hockey League, is something the Tampa Bay Lightning has done well over the last couple of years. The teams 2011 draft class, however, takes the cake.

Under the leadership of General Manager Steve Yzerman and Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray, a pipeline of talent has been built and sustained since the day Yzerman was hired by owner Jeff Vinik in May of 2010 after former GM Brian Lawton was relieved of his duties with the team just a few months earlier.

Each draft class thus far has provided impressive young prospects, and some of those prospects are already making an impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning very early in their careers; however, one draft class thus far has stood out above the rest and has provided the talent to help the organization get to where they are today.

With the injection of three talented Russians, goaltending depth, and late round steals into the organizations pool of prospects, the 2011 draft at Xcel Energy Center in St.Paul, Minnesota has become crown jewel of draft classes since Yzerman took over as Lightning GM. This draft has produced players that are both playing well at the National Hockey League level, or are knocking on the door at the American Hockey League level.

These players are some of the most important pieces to the core of young talent that makes up the Tampa Bay Lightning, and are the reason why the team has the ability to compete for a Stanley Cup Championship year in and year out.

Next: Vladislav Namestnikov

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