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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Apr 16, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; 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

Namestnikov started out the year with the teams AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch to begin the season, but with the injuries mounting to forwards on the NHL roster, Namestnikov was called up many times throughout the season to fill the void. His exceptional play earned him a permanent roster spot for the foreseeable future, and even saw some time on the ice during the teams latest run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Get used to hearing the name Vladislav Namestnikov over the next several years, because the young Russian will be a key contributor for a team that will look to push for a chance to win the Stanley Cup year after year.

Namestnikov is just one part of the so called “Russian invasion” in Tampa Bay, and the next few picks of the 2011 draft were used to select two more players that make up the talented group that help make up the young core of the organization.

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Vladislav Namestnikov

Center, London Knights

Vladislav Namestnikov was selected 27th overall from the London Knights of the OHL. Viewed as a project from the start, the organization viewed the Russian prospect as a two-way center who has an excellent defensive game.

He scored 71 points in 63 games with London, and the organization felt like the 6′ Russian born forward, who actually spent some of his life growing up in the United States, was ready to become a pro. His offensive game was just coming around, and the team felt like they could let Namestnikov develop slowly and mold into the fabulous player his is today with top-6 upside at the NHL level.

Next: Nikita Kucherov

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Feb 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Lightning sent their 3rd round pick in 2011 and defenseman Brock Beukeboom to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Eric Brewer
The team also send their 4th round selection and defenseman Matt Walker to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for forward Simon Gagne

Next: Nikita Nesterov

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Apr 16, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov (89) reacts after they lost to the Detroit Red Wings in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Detroit Red Wings defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Next: Adam Wilcox

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Apr 10, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Minnesota Gophers goaltender Adam Wilcox (32) makes a save against the North Dakota Sioux during the second period in the semifinals of the Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Wilcox earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors after his Sophomore season after winning 26 games and posting a 1.97 GAA and .932 SV%. The following year saw a bit of a drop off for the talented goaltender, but he was still able to lead the Gophers to the 2015 Big Ten Championship and capture the schools first conference playoff title since 2007.

Wilcox signed a 2-year entry level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and became the final prospect from this draft class to be signed by the team.

Wilcox will challenge fellow prospect Kristers Gudlevskis for the starting job in Syracuse and with playing time at the AHL level. Gudlevskis is a fellow late round athletic goaltender that showed flashes of a player that could be successful at the NHL level, but has also been inconstant in his time as a pro.

It will be up to the former Big Ten player of the year to take hold of the starting job in Syracuse, and there is a good chance we could one day see a goalie tandem of Andrei Vasilevskiy and Adam Wilcox for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Adam Wilcox

Goaltender, Green Bay Gamblers

6th round draft selection Adam Wilcox has been one of the best college goaltenders in the United States over the past several years, and he is now ready to show what he can do as a pro.

A calm presence in the crease, Wilcox’s ability to make the big stop when it was needed most showed throughout his College career. He plays an aggressive style, and challenges shooters knowing he has the ability to make all the saves.

Wilcox signed a 2-year entry level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and became the final prospect from this draft class to be signed by the team.

Next: Matthew Peca

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Feb 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; An overview of Amalie Arena where the Tampa Bay Lightning play during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Senior co-captain was a well respected teammate, and will look to follow in the footsteps of smaller players who have excelled in the Lightning organization such as Martin St.Louis and Tyler Johnson.

Peca got his first taste of life as a pro last season when he signed his first entry-level contact with the team, and will most likely end up as the first line center in Syracuse.

He would be just one of the many young talented prospects joining the Crunch next season with names such as Adam Erne and Anthony DeAngelo. Peca’s speed and skill on the top line could make cause problems for opposing defenders, and with time to build strength and gain experience, Peca would come one of the leagues top scorers in the near future.

Don’t expect to see the 2-way center in the National Hockey League for some time while he develops in Syracuse, but the Tampa Bay Lightning will greatly benefit from a player that can play on any line and contribute in different ways while he is on the ice.

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Matthew Peca

Center, Pembroke Lumber Kings

Selected 201st overall, Matthew Peca is one intriguing prospect. A diminutive, undersized forward (5’8 155 lbs), Peca constantly flies around the rink and is effective on both ends of the ice.

He is very good at using his speed both to create offensive opportunities. Peca plays a fast game, and doesn’t back down from bigger opponents. Equipped with an exceptional wrist shot, the 21 year old Peca excelled at the collegiate level with the University of Quinnipiac Bobcats, averaging just under a point-per-game.

Peca got his first taste of life as a pro last season when he signed his first entry-level contact with the team, and will most likely end up as the first line center in Syracuse.

Next: Ondrej Palat

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Feb 16, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) reacts against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

That rounds out a fine class of drafted prospects that have already or will eventually contribute for the Tampa Bay Lightning at the NHL level. However, we cannot forget about an important undrafted free agent that was signed before the 2011 draft that can be grouped with this crop prospects.

Next: Don't Forget About Tyler Johnson

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Apr 16, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) reacts against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

This impressive group of players will continue to make an impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for many years to come. 5 of the 7 players from this class have already made it to the NHL, and the other 2 are just beginning their pro careers in the AHL.

This class may one day exceed the 1998 draft class as the best in the history of the organization, a class that features Vincent Lecavalier, and Brad Richards at the top.

This duo along with undrafted free agent signee Martin St. Louis (signed with Tampa Bay in 2000, but started his NHL with the Calgary Flames in 1998) led the Tampa Bay Lightning to their first Stanley Cup. One day, possibly sooner rather than later, players from this draft class could help capture the second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

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