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Tampa Bay Lightning: Top 5 Draft Prospects

By Austin Howard

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Anthony Deangelo smiles while greeting team officials after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Anthony Deangelo smiles while greeting team officials after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman announces Anthony Deangelo (not pictured) as the number nineteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Samuel Girard

Born in Roberval, Quebec, Canada, Samuel Girard is an 18-year-old defenseman who currently plays for the Shawinigan Cataractes. Girard is five foot and nine inches, weighing 161 pounds. The kid was born to play, in every sense of the game. He can pitch in offensively and defensively.

Girard is eager to learn and work, which has shown on the ice. In the 2015-2016 season, he played 61 games scoring 74 points. He did this while attaining a plus-24 rating. His great play continued into the post-season where he scored 22 points in 21 games.

Girard is also very disciplined, only gaining ten penalty minutes all season. He seems to have good character and to be modest. He could fit quite nicely into the Lightning’s power play.

Some might say that Girard is small for a defenseman, which he is, but that doesn’t affect him. Size is a non-issue. He could be more active blocking shots, though. As a defenseman, you need to block shots, but Girard seems eager to learn.

Overall, Samuel Girard is a good player, who would be a great pick for the Lightning. He has great character, skill, and is willing to learn. He has some minor flaws, but with time, he will be a great player.

Next: 2. Kale Clague

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