Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
29. Joel Vermin
Draft Year: 2013
Position: Forward
Nobody (including myself) expected forward Joel Vermin to play his first NHL game this year. Well, the combination of injuries and Vermin leading all Crunch forwards in points made his case. The 5’11 192 lb Bern, Switzerland native has done nothing but impress during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and is making a name for himself playing as a bottom-6 forward on this talented Lightning forward unit.
Vermin reminds me of the Energizer Bunny when he plays: He has a high motor, plays with passion, and is aggravating to play against. Whenever Vermin is sent on the ice, you just see him skating around and pressuring the opposition into quick decisions that usually lead to bad passes or turnovers in the offensive zone. That is exactly what he was brought here for, and he is performing very well in his role.
In his first 6 NHL games, Vermin chipped in an assist and a plus-one rating while on the ice and playing on the fourth line. He uses his speed effectively when creating chances in the offensive zone and seems to have a nose for the puck that you just can’t teach.
With so much depth on the NHL roster, Vermin will have to continue to do things that separate him from the rest of the pack so he can get ice time with the Lightning on a constant rate. He will most likely spend some more time in Syracuse to continue his development, but Vermin has made a quality first appearance to the coaching staff.
Next: The First Nikita