Tampa Bay Lightning: 2015 Draft Pick Grades

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 44th selection in the second round, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected defenseman Matthew Spencer.

With the Lightning’s second pick in the draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected defenseman Matthew Spencer from the Peterborough Petes of the OHL. Spencer, who stands at 6’2 188 lbs, is a two-way defenseman who seems to always be on the ice.

No matter whether it was the powerplay, penalty kill, or five-on-five situations, Spencer was always on the ice and was always counted to play at a high level.

A very strong defensive defenseman, Spencer has the ability to quickly read the play in front of him before making a strong outlet pass to his forwards. He also has the ability to take the puck into the offensive zone himself if the opportunity presents itself.

Though his offensive game is somewhat limited, he provides a heavy shot and excellent vision from the point, and acts as the teams quarterback in the offensive zone and directs most of the offense on the power play. With more time to develop, Spencer could one day see himself as a top-4 defenseman in the NHL.

Playing with Dominik Masin in Peterborough is a plus, and he will again see heavy top-pair defense minutes for the Petes this upcoming season. I like the way he can take the body of the opposition along the wall and has excellent quickness at his size to keep up with some of the Ontario Hockey League’s top scorers and keep them off the score sheet.

There is no doubt that Spencer is one of the most underrated defenseman in this draft, and he will be a piece on the Lightning blue line for many years to come.

Grade: B+