Bolts by the Bay
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Tampa Bay Lightning’s top draft picks of each round the past decade

By Stephen Parrino

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks to pass in the second period during a game against the Seattle Kraken at Amalie Arena on December 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Brayden Point #21 of the Tampa Bay Lightning looks to pass in the second period during a game against the Seattle Kraken at Amalie Arena on December 13, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, CANADA – DECEMBER 10: Samuel Walker #74 of the Minnesota Wild skates during warm-up prior to his first NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on December 10, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA – DECEMBER 10: Samuel Walker #74 of the Minnesota Wild skates during warm-up prior to his first NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on December 10, 2022 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /

7th Round — Sammy Walker

Draft year: 2017
Career stats: 9GP | 1G | 1A | 2P

While Walker has only just begun his NHL career this season, he already has a list of accolades built up since being drafted. That list includes winning the 2018 Minnesota Mr. Hockey Award, serving as the University of Minnesota’s captain for three seasons, and a Frozen Four appearance in 2022.

However, after four successful seasons with Minnesota, the Lightning were reportedly only able to offer Walker an AHL contract, and thus he ended up signing with the Minnesota Wild.

With the Wild experiencing a severe cap squeeze next season due to a nearly $15 million dead cap hit, due to buyouts, the opportunity for Walker on a cheap deal to make an impact will be present and needed by the team if they are to be competitive as center remains one of their weakest position groups.

Honorable mention: Joel Vermin (2013)

Vermin played 24 games with the Lightning between the 2016 and 2017 seasons before signing in Switzerland, where he’s since consistently scored 25-35 points per season.

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