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2015 NHL Draft: Complete Seven Round Mock Draft

By Kyle Barber |
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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announces Anthony Deangelo (not pictured) as the number nineteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NHL Draft is right around the corner, but before all the GMs and Scouts in the NHL head to Sunrise, here is a look at what a full seven round draft could look like for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, fresh off a heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Finals, will look to add more impressive prospects to a pipeline that continues to bring in quality players to the NHL roster.

Since Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman took over control of the team in 2011, the Lightning organization has continued to draft well and fill it’s prospects pool with outstanding young talent that eventually makes an impact on the team down the road.

We’ve seen some of Yzerman’s most recent drafts pick up key pieces that make up the teams young core. Whether it be high round draft picks such as Jonathan Drouin and Nikita Kucherov, or late round selections such as Ondrej Palat and Nikita Nesterov, it seems like Yzerman and Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray both have quite the eye for discovering young talent.

Moving on to this years draft, there are many young prospects that could come in and help the Lightning a few years down the road. Whether that be a young puck moving defenseman or a projected hefty third line power forward, the Lightning will look to refill a prospect pool who’s top talent will soon be making the jump to the NHL level.

Before everything kicks into high gear on Friday, let’s take a look at what a full seven round draft could look like for the Tampa Bay Lightning in our very own mock draft.

Next: First Round: Gabriel Carlsson

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 28th Selection in the First round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Gabriel Carlsson, Defenseman from Linkopings HC of the Swedish Elite League.

Continuing the trend from last years draft when the team selected defenseman Anthony DeAngelo in the first round, the team will again bolster the blue line by selecting Gabriel Carlsson. Carlsson, a 6’4 184 lb defenseman from Orebro, Sweden has all the tools to one day be a top pair defenseman in the NHL.

Lets start with his ability to read the play in the defensive zone. Gifted with excellent vision and instincts, Carlsson will rarely make a mistake when it comes to playing the puck; however, when he does make an untimely error you see from the tape that his excellent compete level will take over and he will win the puck back from the defender.

He also doesn’t let his mistakes get to him and will come back out on the next shift leaving the error behind him. That is something that you like to see in a young defenseman.

Carlsson is also gifted with an booming shot from the point that can be lethal in the offensive zone. He also has the ability to move the puck up to his forwards.

Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb said this about Carlsson:

“Carlsson is a tall, physically strong two-way defenseman who has improved a lot during the season. He plays a smart, cool, mature game and uses his size without being overly aggressive. A smart player who can both pass or play the puck out of danger.”

The 17 year old will probably need a good two or three more seasons before he makes an impact in the NHL, but when the time comes, Carlsson could one day replace fellow Swede Anton Stralman as Victor Hedman‘s defense partner.

Next: Second Round: Filip Chlapik

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Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the stage between picks during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

With the 44th overall pick in the Second round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Filip Chlapik, Forward from the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL.

Last year, Adam Erne, a projected first round selection fell to the second round and landed right into the arms of Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The same will happen this year when the Lightning select Center Filip Chlapik from the Charlottetown Islanders.

A classic two-way center, Chlapik is gifted with great hockey sense and playmaking ability that jumps out on tape. His ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and into the offensive zone makes him an asset for any line. It seemed impossible for any defender to separate the 6’1 190 lb center from the puck, and his quick first step allows him to get around defenders with ease.

Though he isn’t that big, the Prague, Czech Republic native seems to always come away with the puck when pressed against the boards. Along with the ability to control the puck, Chlapik back checks very well and fulfills his defensive responsibilities.

However, one part of Chlapik’s game that I don’t like is that he passes up on too many scoring opportunities. It may be the fact that his great vision and passing ability make him a pass first player, or the fact that his shot isn’t the best, but when in prime scoring positions Chlapik needs to shoot more.

This video shows an example of Chlapik taking the shot in a prime scoring opportunity and scoring. He will need to do more of this if he wants to be one day be successful in the NHL.

The 17 year old must continue to gain strength and continue to improve on his 200-foot game. However, Chlapik has the potential to grow into a future second line center for the Lightning.

Also, did I mention the Tampa Bay Lightning was his favorite NHL team?

Next: Third Round: Nikita Korostelev

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the arena floor during the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 64th pick in the Third round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Nikita Korostelev, Forward from the Sarnia Sting of the OHL.

 The first thing I thought about when I watched Nikita Korostelev play was “Yup, potential Nikita Kucherov 2.0 right here.” It’s amazing when you watch the tape and see Korostelev’s game and point out the similarities. The puckcarrying ability, outstanding wrist shot, and high energy compare to Kucherov in his draft year in 2012.

However, just like Kucherov, many scouts are worried that Korostelev can not play a complete 200-foot game and will be a liability in the defensive zone. As we know now, that is not the case with Kucherov and many of these same scouts continue to have nightmares knowing they let a phenomenal scorer slip to the second round of the 2011 draft. My feeling his Korostelev could provide the same effect.

NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards had positive things to say about Korostelev; especially when it comes to his wrist shot and high-energy play.

“He has an outstanding wrist shot and is a high-energy guy. He competes hard and gets involved, makes that top line go with Pavel Zacha and Jordan Kyrou.”

The Moscow, Russia native models his game after his favorite NHL player Alex Ovechkin, and even after missing a month of action, the 6’1 195 lb Korostelev led the Sarnia Sting in goals and points.

This video shows some of Korostelev’s skills in action. Steve Yzerman has had success drafting Russian players in the past (and players with the first name Nikita for that matter) and based on the film, it seems like the Lightning could grab a future Russian stud to one day join the present day Russian invasion in Tampa.

Next: Anthony-John (AJ) Greer

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman addresses the crowd before the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 118th pick in the Fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Anthony-John Greer, Forward out of Boston University.

You want size and skill combined from a large forward? Look no further than Boston Terriers left winger A.J. Greer, who just completed his first college season at BU.

Playing on a deep BU team, Greer was limited in his playing time; however, when he got his chance, the 6’3 204 lb winger showed scoring ability and willingness to drive the net for loose pucks. Being very athletic for a big man with excellent feet, defenders had a hard time defensing the Quebec native as he worked the puck in the offensive zone.

During the Terriers run in the NCAA Tournament, Greer began to show why he has the potential to be a successful power forward at the NHL level. He showed a heavy shot, and great passing ability and vision that made him jump out at viewers.

Though Greer was stuck behind many talented forwards on BU’s roster, beginning next year his workload will begin to increase. With three more years in college ahead of him, there is no doubt in my mind that Greer can refine his game and become a professional with a high motor and scoring ability.

It may be many years before we even think about seeing Greer in a Lightning sweater, which includes three more years in college and a few in the AHL, the team may end up with a solid left winger with top-6 upside.

Next: Fourth Round: Joseph Cecconi

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 120th pick in the Fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Joseph Cecconi, Defenseman from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.

A big bodied stay at home defenseman, Joseph Cecconi has all the tools to develop into a solid defender at the NHL level. He has all the tools you look for in a defenseman, including the ability move the puck to forwards, and throw his body around while also displaying flashes of a big shot from the point.

In the limited film available on Cecconi, you can tell he has a certain calmness about him that he uses to his advantage. He makes taking care of his own defensive third his main priority and shows lots of poise in his own zone when he has the puck.

Cecconi calmly transitions the puck to his awaiting forwards and though he may not have the skills of an outstanding offensive defenseman, he has the ability to handle the puck and provide a big shot from the point still makes him a threat.

The 6’3 209 lb Youngstown, NY native just completed his second season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, and has commited to the University of Michigan to begin his college hockey career.

There is no doubt Cecconi has a long road ahead of him before he can even attempt to think about playing in the NHL, but with four years at Michigan and a few years in the minors, Cecconi could project as a top-4 stay at home defenseman, but will most likely settle into a role at a top-6 defenseman at the NHL level.

Next: Fifth Round: Spencer Smallman

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the arena floor during the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 150th selection in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Spencer Smallman, Forward from the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL.

Though me may not be the most talked about prospect in the draft, forward Spencer Smallman put up another strong season for the St. Johns Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

After watching his tape, it seems like Smallman didn’t really stick out with one certain aspect of his play that flies off the charts, but displays a good all-around game. He has some scoring ability, but the most intriguing part of his game is his ability to defend the opposing teams top line and be do so successfully

This is exactly the type of player the Tampa Bay Lightning like in later rounds. He reminds me of a quicker Cedric Paquette coming out of his draft year. What did Paquette turn into? A versatile shutdown third liner who plays on the penalty kill and always is matched up against the opposing teams top line. Smallman may have just a bit more overall skill than Paquette, but lacks the great wrist shot that Paquette surely possesses.

Overall, I like the game that Smallman plays, and though it may take him a while to make the NHL, the 6’1 184 lb forward may one day play in a top-9 role with the Lightning.

Next: Sixth Round: Michael Robinson

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Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the stage between picks during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

With the 153rd pick in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Michael Robinson, Goaltender from Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts.

A goaltender project for the future, Lawrence Academy star netminder Michael Robinson has all the tools to potentially be a successful goaltender in the National Hockey League.

Standing at 6’4 195 lbs, Robinson is a tall athletic goaltender that takes up a lot of the net. Finishing his last season with the Boston Jr. Rangers, Robinson posted an impressive 1.88 GAA and .934 SV% that made him one of the more promising young goalies to be entering the college ranks.

Mike Buckley, who has overseen the development of Robinson over the last couple of years had nothing but priaise for the 18 year old Bedford, New Hampshire native.

“Mike is a play-reading, athletic goaltender. He has great size and his ability to understand the game keeps him calm and poised. When things get unpredictable he has the ability and compete level to battle. He is a well balanced goaltender technically, physically and mentally.”

Robinson has committed to the University of New Hampshire, and will be a long term development for the Bolts knowing they may need to wait five or six years to even consider seeing him in the NHL. There no doubt that Robinson has the raw tools to succeed, but goalies are tough to predict and it will be up to his development to see where he ends up in the Lightning’s future plans.

Next: Sixth Round: Pius Suter

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the 180th pick in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning will select Pius Suter, Forward from the Guelph Storm of the OHL.

As we move into the ladder stages of the draft, this is around the time when Steve Yzerman works his magic and finds late round steals that turn into quality National Hockey League players. Well, Pius Suter may be the next late round gem of the Yzerman-Murray era.

Listed at 5’11 159  lbs, Suter is a dynamic offensive player that will light up the score sheet on any given night. Known as a pure goal scorer, Suter has an excellent wrist shot and fantasic hands that allow him to get around defenders with ease. Along with being a fantastic goal scorer, he is dependable on both sides of the ice and knows how to get his linemates involved.

What really impressed me when watching Suter was his ability to ward off larger defenders and protecting the puck in traffic areas. Though his size may scare off some teams, he has impressive lower body strength that allows him to stay strong on the puck.

Suter will spend another year in Guelph before being eligible to play in the AHL. His last year of junior will focus on polishing his 200-foot game and gaining strength for the next level. Suter should top out at a top-6 scoring winger at the NHL level and will once again make Steve Yzerman and Al Murray look like geniuses.

Next: Seventh Round: David Henley

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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the arena floor during the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the Tampa Bay Lightning‘s final selection of the 2015 NHL draft, the 208th pick of the Seventh round will be used on David Henley, a defenseman from the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL.

You want a physical defenseman who is willing to throw is body around and drop the gloves? Well Lightning fans, defenseman David Henley will soon become one of your favorites.

Standing at 6’4 203 lbs, Henley is an intimidating force of the blue line that is known for throwing his body around; however, he is also a very solid stay at home defenseman with good feet and smart decision making. Showing great mobility for a big man, Henley is able to quickly get the puck out of trouble.

It may be quite some time before we will ever have the opportunity to see David Henley in a Lightning jersey, but the young defenseman has a definite upside that is worth taking another look at. With more time to fill in his large frame and polishing his defense, Henley could one day see himself as a bottom-6 defenseman in the National Hockey League.

What do you think of our selections for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft? Which prospect seems to have the best upside for the Lightning? Is there another prospect out there you think would be a better fit for the Tampa Bay Lightning? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Next: Tampa Bay Lightning: 2014-15 Goaltender Grades

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