Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
27. Anthony DeAngelo
Draft Year: 2014
Position: Defense
Once upon a time, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect pool was lacking a right-handed offensive defenseman. The team went into the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with that need and they filled it when they selected Anthony DeAngelo with the 19th overall pick.
DeAngelo had a fantastic season both offensively and defensively during his draft year as he scored 90 points on what was a weaker Sarnia Sting team. He also improved on some of the weakness in his game by working on his gap control and turnover issues while in his own defensive third. These aspects of his game caused some concerns that the 5’11 168 lb defender could be labeled as a “powerplay specialist” instead of a potential Top-4 defenseman.
Here are some scouting notes I took on DeAngelo during his draft year.
"Terrific offensive awareness and exceptional vision and puck moving ability. Tremendous quarterback on the power play with a fantastic slap shot that will give opposing goaltender nightmares. DeAngelo also uses his stick well when in the defensive zone, especially against smaller forwards."
In his first professional season, DeAngelo is currently leading the Syracuse Crunch in overall points with three goals and 13 assists for a total of 16 points, showing promise both offensively and defensively. He is one of the top prospects currently in the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect pool, so his development will be key if the organization wants to maintain its winning ways.
Next: Earning Erne