Tampa Bay Lightning: 30 Best Draft Picks In Franchise History
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Lightning has seen a lot of talented players walk down the tunnel at the Amalie Arena, but how many of those were drafted by the team?
The Tampa Bay Lightning has one of the best developmental systems in the National Hockey League. This is in no small part to Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager and his team of talented scouts who have combed the globe for the brightest young talent the hockey world has to offer.
This is not to say that those who have come before them have not achieved greatness, as it is those who have come before that led this organization to their first-ever Stanley Cup Championship in 2004. At the same time, you simply cannot argue with results, and that is what Yzerman and his team have achieved…results.
As we get closer to the halfway point in the season, many people are beginning to take a closer look at the pool of prospects who will be available when the 2016 NHL Draft kicks off later this year. It is time to take a closer look at the numbers, evaluate their technique, and see who will be the best fit for their respective teams.
Before we get to the arduous process of analyzing the season ahead, we here at Bolts By The Bay have decided to take a little lock in the opposite direction. Over the course of the next 30 slides, we will take a closer look at some of the greatest players to have ever been drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Some of these names may be more recognizable than others, but at the end of the day each one of these players has somehow made an impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning. While some of them haven’t had their moment in the sun just yet, it is plain to see they have what it takes to get the job done when their time arrives.
After you’ve had an opportunity to take a look at our list, let us know what you think in the comments below. What do you think are some of the aforementioned players’ biggest asset to the team? Maybe you feel as if we overlooked someone? Let us know who and why.
Next: The First Of Many Czechs
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* Additional Editorial Contribution By Kyle Barber