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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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Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kale Clague

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Kale Clague is an 18-year-old left-handed defenseman, who currently plays for the Brandon Wheat Kings. He is six foot and 183 pounds of defensive power. Although defensemen, Clague is an offensive defenseman who is great at moving the puck.

Although the Lightning are familiar with giant defensemen, they can’t pass on Clague. He has had some injuries in his career, but when he’s healthy, you can’t stop him from winning. In the 2015-2016 season, Clague played 71 games and scored 43 points. He did this while maintaining a plus-25 rating.

He played even better in the playoffs that same year, posting 14 points in 21 games. He could help the Tampa Bay Lightning’s defense become more offensive, by adding his strong skating abilities. He will boost the Lightning’s power play. But, there are some downsides.

Clague is a little undisciplined, acquiring 54 penalty minutes last season. He could clean up his game, but if he doesn’t, the Lightning may want to think twice about drafting him. The Lightning are not a dirty team, but when it came time for the playoffs, the penalties started piling up. If they want to be a serious contender for the Cup, the Lightning need to be more disciplined and can’t take a player who doesn’t share the same goal.

All around, Kale Clague is an excellent choice for the Lightning. He has the skill to be a significant force in this league. Clague will need to be willing to become more disciplined if he wants to fit into the Lightning roster anytime soon.

Next: 3. Rasmus Asplund

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