Tampa Bay Lightning: 30 Best Draft Picks In Franchise History

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

26. Adam Erne

Draft Year: 2013

Position: Forward

The second selection made by the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2013 NHL Draft could soon join the first pick Jonathan Drouin in the NHL. After falling out of the first round, the Lightning got a steal in Adam Erne when they selected him with the 33rd pick of the draft. A highly skilled power forward, the New Haven, Connecticut native has all the tools needed to be a successful player at the NHL level.

I have been able to watch Erne a lot since he was drafted both with the Remparts, international competition with Team USA and his short stint with the Syracuse Crunch. Here is my take on the 6’1 211 lb left winger.

"“Erne’s mix of hockey sense, physical ability and good hockey tools makes him one of the organizations top prospects. He is equipped with a hard shot and soft hands that make him a great finisher around the net. If he learns to play with max effort on a nightly basis, Erne would be another player on the Lightning that opposing coaches will lose sleep at night trying to plan for.”"

Though injuries have slowed him down during first pro season, the young American forward still has six points in only ten games played. That combination of size, speed, and skill make Erne a tough matchup for any defender, and with increased playing time and refinement of his bad habits, Erne could one day be a force at the NHL level.

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