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Lightning embrace challenge of later-round selections in draft
SUNRISE, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said his staff enjoys the challenge of finding late-round gems at the NHL draft.
With nine picks in rounds 2 through 7, Yzerman's staff had ample opportunity to prove itself.
"There are players to be found," Yzerman said. "I like to think all throughout, the scouts, the fifth, sixth, seventh rounds, now they're getting excited because these are guys they've researched."
Tampa Bay entered the draft with the 28th overall pick, but moved down at the last minute. The Lightning made center Mitchell Stephens its first selection of 2015 five picks later.
The Lightning made six selections in the Top 120 in what many are considering a very deep draft.
"They're not necessarily expecting to hit a home run," Yzerman said. "But they're not the obvious ones. And that's what the challenge is for them. It's exciting for them when those rounds come around."
Now it's a matter of waiting to see how they pan out. Yzerman knows this.
"Time will tell if they develop into NHLers, but today we walk out very optimistic," Yzerman said.
SCOUTING REPORTS
Mitchell Stephens, C, Saginaw (OHL): Stephens said his best assets are his skating and his ability to bring "high energy, high compete level" to the game. He models his play after Nashville's Mike Fisher and admired Toronto's Mats Sundin growing up. "With the system Tampa Bay plays -- a high energy, high pace -- I think I am going to fit in well," Stephens said. He more than doubled his offensive output from 2013 to 2014, finishing with career highs in goals (22), assists (26) and points (48) with the Spirit. The Lightning peg him as a two-way forward who can play any of the three forward positions who plays a similar style to Ryan Callahan. "He's got a good all-around game," Yzerman said.
Matthew Spencer, D, Peterborough (OHL): Spencer said he patterns his game after Marc-Edouard Vlasic. He's a defenseman who can move the puck, but also be responsible in his own end. Though his numbers doubled from the previous year, he played on a struggling Petes squad. What impressed the Lightning, though, was his consistency in different situations. "We got to see him at different levels," Yzerman said. "You learn a lot about a player in real good situations or real tough situations."
Dennis Yan, LW, Shawnigan (QMJHL): The winger boasts excellent speed and skills, and has a nose for the net. In his first season with the Cataractes, he averaged more than a point per game (64 points in 59 contests). American-born, but trained in part in Russia, Yan shared the league lead in goals among rookies with 33. He describes himself as a scoring forward who likes to have the puck and "make his teammates better."
Anthony Cirelli, C, Oshawa (OHL): The defensive forward is adept in his own end, but stands to use time to develop. At 6-foot, 160-pounds, he's undersized and will need to bulk up for the rigors of the NHL. Despite being more focused on backchecking than production, Cirelli recorded a respectable 13 goals and 23 assists in 68 games during his rookie season. More importantly, he came up clutch in the Memorial Cup for the Generals, scoring the OT-winner to clinch the title.
Jonne Tammela, RW, Kalpa (Finland): A smallish forward who always finds ways onto the top line of Finland's junior teams. The winger split time between Kalpa's senior and junior team in 2014-15. With the junior club, he posted 11 goals and 16 assists in 26 games. At the mens level, he scored four goals in 32 games. Lightning scout Al Murray said the team isn't sure how much offensive upside there might be, but "he's one of the best skaters out there. He can fly." Yzerman described him as a smart, competitive and a good skater.
Mathieu Joseph, RW, Saint John (QMJHL): Another two-way forward, Joseph discovered his offensive production in his first full season with the Seadogs, netting 21 goals and 21 assists in 59 games. He boasts a good work ethic and hockey sense, but still needs work on his skating.
Ryan Zuhlsdorf, D, Sioux City (USHL): A poised, smart defenseman, the blueliner has played a steady game since appearing on the radar at Edina High. In his first season with the Musketeers, he showed the ability to be a puck-mover as well. At 5-for-11, 188 pounds, Zuhlsdorf could stand to add a little more weight. But he'll have time to do so as he the University of Minnesota, where he is committed to play beginning in 2016.
Kristian Oldham, G, Omaha (USHL): The Lightning seem to have a penchant for big goaltenders, and Oldham, at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds fits the mold. The Anchorage, Alaska native posted a respectable 2.55 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 32 games with the Lancers. He is committed to play at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2016. "He's a big guy," Yzerman said. "He's a good prospect for a goaltender. He's going to go to college and we'll see in a couple years."
Bokondji Imama, LW, Saint John (QMJHL): At 6-foot-1, 214-pounds, Imama is a tough-as-nails winger who is not afraid to drop the gloves. He registered 137 penalty minutes in 59 games split between Saint John and Baie-Comeau. But his edge could also be an issue: He was suspended within the span of a month this past season, once for abuse of officials and once for delivering a check to the head. Last season he finished with 13 goals, 15 assists and 29 points -- all career highs. "He has some potential to develop his skills and skating," Yzerman said. "He's a real good athlete."
POSSIBLE STEAL
Stephens. The two-way pivot was ranked 112th by NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, but 33rd by International Scouting Services. He excelled on a line with Matt Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier, scoring five goals at the U-18 World Junior Championship, so it's curious as to why there's such a huge discrepancy in opinion. The Lightning aren't in a rush to bring a player like Stephens into the lineup -- they're already trying to find more ice time for Jonathan Drouin and Vladimir Namestnikov -- so there is plenty of time to bring him along as they did with a Tyler Johnson or Ondrej Palat.
BIGGEST PROJECT
Imama. The Lightning have been interested in the potential power forward for "two years" according to Yzerman, and they really love Imama's athleticism. He could develop into a power forward based on his size and toughness. But he also plays in a league notorious for high offensive output, so his numbers could be misleading. There's also the question of whether he's got a little too much grit when it comes to fighting. Like most of Tampa Bay's prospects, having ample time to develop will only benefit Imama.
You can follow Erin Brown on Twitter @rinkside or email her at erinbrownfla@gmail.com.
