Tampa Bay Lightning focus on forward position at 2017 NHL Draft
By Will Clewis
![June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Cal Foote poses for photos after being selected as the number fourteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports June 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Cal Foote poses for photos after being selected as the number fourteen overall pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/33a2b359cdc09f85078fd0153cbeeb8a09e0c0aee223abe82d722058a9a21026.jpg)
Cole Guttman, Center
Tampa Bay used its second sixth round pick on undersized center Cole Guttman. He is listed at 5-foot-10, 163 pounds and is considered a “high character pivot that produces points,” according to BoltProspects.
Guttman has played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL since the 2015-16 season, and he will serve as the captain in 2017-18. During his time with Dubuque, Guttman has 27 goals and 54 points in 53 games. He’s committed to play for St. Cloud State beginning in the 2018-19 season.
The Northridge, California native (suburb of Los Angeles) has also been a member of the U.S. National U17 Team and the Los Angeles Junior Kings U16 team. Murray shared his thoughts on the young centerman, saying,
"“He’s going back to Dubuque this year where he’ll be the captain, and then he’s also going to St. Cloud State,” Murray said. “He’s a skilled center, right shot, 5’10”, about 170 pounds, high energy, good skater with skill…A point a game in the USHL is a real good total.”"