Ok, so we've gone through the NY metropolitan area teams. I'm going to do the remaining 27 teams in order of their first selection. So, first up is the Tampa Bay Lightning who were granted the right to select consensus #1 pick Steven Stamkos. If Stamkos was the only name they called this entire draft then they still would have been one of the big winners. Luckily for new owners Oren Koulis and Len Barrie, they had six other picks.
Steven Stamkos - 1st overall (1st round) Center. Sarnia Sting (OHL)
No shocker here. Amy Winehouse does a better job of hiding addiction than the Lightning did of hiding their intentions of selecting Stamkos. And with good reason. They would have been out of their minds (and GM Jay Feaster out of a job) had they not taken the center who has been compared favorably to Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman. Saying Stamkos can pass is like saying Jimmy Page can play guitar. He also showed a scoring touch, notching 11 goals in Sarnia's breif post-season. Having 1997 #1 draft pick Vincent Lecavalier in Tampa with him is probably one of the best scenario's Stamkos can step into. With Jeff Halpern being lost until at least November, count on Stamkos to be a fixture in Tampa from the get-go.
James Wright - 117th overall (4th round) Center. Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Stamkos is the guy who will get a lot of attention in the future, whereas Wright might be the kind of guy who does a lot of little things well with little accolades. He's a big kid who wins battles in the corner. He may prove to be a steal for the Bolts as his draft year suffered from a bout with mono.
Dustin Tokarski - 122nd overall (5th round) Goalie. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Was named MVP of the Memorial Cup for the Chiefs after sharing duties with Kevin Armstrong through the season. He may have a breakout campaign next year and make life seem unfair to the rest of the WHL in general as he should be between the pipes for the Chiefs full-time.
Kyle De Coste - 147th overall (5th round) Right Wing. Brampton Batallian (OHL)
De Coste could be a valuable checking or energy line winger for the Lighting if he makes it to the show. Heart and sould guy never stops moving or looking for an opportunity to help his team.
Luke Witkowski - 160th overall (6th round) Defenseman. Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL)
Witkowski suffers from Kasparaitis disease: He will take himself out of position to make the big hit more often than is advisable. He may be the guy teams have to answer to if they take liberties with Stamkos at some point.
Mattias Sointu - 182nd overall (7th round) Right Wing. Ilves (Finland Jr)
Can you say Eero Somervuori? Well, not at first, but who can unless you're Finnish? Sointu's small frame unleashes a cannon. Does not lack skill, but size and consistency are big issues.
David Carle - 203rd overall (7th round) Defenseman. Shattuck St. Mary's (Minnesota HS)
There were only eight players picked after Carle this year. Tampa is really hoping none of them turn out to be all-stars.
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