Tampa Bay Lightning Stock Up on Defense In Rounds 2-4
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view of the complete draft board after the completion of the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to stockpile defenseman in the 2014 NHL Draft.
After selecting defenseman Anthony DeAngelo 19th overall last night in the first round, three of Tampa’s four selections in rounds two through four were also spent on blue liners.
They spent the 35th overall pick on Dominik Masin from the Czech Republic. In 39 games with the HC Slavia Praha U20 side, Masin scored twice and added 19 assists.
#TBLightning Masin said through interpreter he's a competitive guy who brings energy, more defensive-minded, wants to improve offense
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 28, 2014
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button had this to say about Point: “Dominik helps a team win some way, some how. His poise is outstanding yet he competes with it at an very high level. Makes a difference in so many ways and his actions and leadership speaks volumes about his winning intentions.”
The Bolts continued their defensive trend by picking Jonathan MacLeod from the USA Development Program with the 57th pick.
MacLeod is scheduled to attend Boston College in the fall and is also considered a defensive minded defenseman. He was ranked 44th in Central Scouting’s North American prospects.
Masin (U19) and MacLeod (U17) have both been captains on the international stage.
In the third round, the Lightning moved up a spot to the 79th overall pick in a trade with the Minnesota Wild so they could grab dynamic offensive talent Brayden Point from the Moose Jaw Warriors.
In the WHL last year he put up 91 points, scoring 36 times.
Point said he was surprised when #TBLightning drafted him, but was excited. Takes pride in offensive game, admits has to work on other parts
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 28, 2014
Button’s analysis of Point is as follows: “Incredibly productive in every significant and important area of the game. There is no situation he can’t make an positive impact on and his determination is second-to-none in doing exactly that. Exceptional drive to succeed.”
The Bolts made another trade to move up in the draft as they traded with the New York Rangers to move to No.119 to select defenseman Ben Thomas from the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.
The Bolts gave up their picks at 140 and 142 to facilitate the trade.
In 72 games last season, the right handed d-man scored seven times and added 24 points.