Outside looking in: Lightning seems more likely to keep No. 2 draft pick

Nothing is in stone, but the way it looks now, the Lightning seems more inclined to keep the No. 2 overall pick in the draft instead of trading it. GM Brian Lawton has said he is open to at least listening to offers, and he no doubt will be a very popular person at the June 26-27 draft in Montreal. But a quick analysis of what the Lightning wants to do short- and long-term suggests the team might be better off standing pat.

The Lightning wants Victor Hedman, touted as having the potential to be the best defenseman to come out of Sweden since Nicklas Lidstrom. But assuming for a second Hedman is not there, Tampa Bay won't lose taking forward John Tavares or perhaps even Matt Duchene, whose status has gained some upward momentum; though not getting either Tavares or Hedman would be quite a story.

So, why stay at No. 2? First consider Lawton's stated long-term goal of building the team's "foundation." Hedman, who has spent the past two years playing with men in the Swedish elite league, can be a good start. He also could develop into a cornerstone of a defense that still is very young, but, really, has some down-the-road potential with players such as Paul Ranger (24); Andrej Meszaros (23); Lukas Krajicek (26), if he signs; Matt Smaby (24), Mike Lundin (24), Matt Lashoff (22), Ty Wishart (21) and Vladimir Mihalik (22). Of course, all that youth would need an infusion of experience to help it along, but that is a bigger topic for another day.

Back to the No. 2 pick: There also is the matter of cost. Signing Hedman or Tavares, or whomever the team picks, to a rookie contract that will pay $900,000 a season, excluding bonuses, is a lot more economical than paying whatever the pick would bring back in salary commitments.

Lawton wasn't giving any hints the last time I spoke to him about what he might do with the No. 2 pick. Even if he doesn't want to trade it, you get the feeling he likes the idea of exploring what might be available from other teams. And who knows what might come out of those conversations.

Lawton only said he will do what's in the best interest of the team.

"Our goal is to be competing for a playoff spot next year," Lawton said. "Along the way, we want to build a foundation and a team ownership and the fans can be proud of." 

Like I said, everything is in flux, and likely will be until the draft. But the lay of the land right now, seems to me, indicates Tampa Bay is more inclined to keep the pick.

Here are the Lightning's draft picks: Round 1 (No. 2 overall): Round 2 (32 and 52); Round 3 (75); Round 4 (93); Round 6 (161); Round 7 (182).

Comments

[PD]

Heh Coach Bill
Still trying to figure out if Pedrone is good or bad.

Where were you April 19 th 1940? There was a boxing match in Tampa that night that featured (ironically), Flash Burke vs.Pancho Pedrone.

Can't remember if I won
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19400419&id=IHoLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=llQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6127,6506912

Bud Light? You need a few Pat Obrien Hurricanes in you when in New Oeleans.

Been there a couple of times and love it. The French Quarter is very much alive and well and the city is coming back too.

[Coach Bill]

PD-Can't do scotch. I'm a Bud Light drinker.
Traveled the USA many times. New Orleans is the best place for a fun time that I've ever seen.
Come tonight, Pedrone. I'll buy you a beer.

[PD]

Have another double Scotch Coach Bill.
It ain't me.

[Mike13]

signing = singing - oi vey

[Mike13]

I thought I saw Lawton at Target the other day. I could have sworn I heard him signing quietly to himself:

Bei mir bist du schoen (Duchene), please let me explain
Bei mir bist du schoen (Duchene) means you're grand
Bei mir bist du schoen (Duchene), again I'll explain
It means you're the fairest in the land

[Mark P]

It looks like most TBAY fans want Hedman and Isles fans can't figure out what Garth Snow is going to do.
I bet if you serve up your #2 pick as a sweetener, Garth will insure that Islanders will pass on Victor Hedman....Isles fans and TBAY fans will get the player they want.

[McGz]

If Hedman is on the board at 2, you take him no questions asked. Stamkos, Smith, and Hedman will be cornerstones of this team for years.

Off topic: When can the team start signing RFA's?

[goldenbolt]

Yo Chic,

Good to hear your doing better. Koules said a lot at that meet and greet. However, I think it will turn out to be more of the same with them this year. The one item we were all interested in was the state of Smith and his injury.
His statement and I quote from memory: " He's great no problems feeling no effects" The only reason he's not back yet is because there is nothing to gain from that for the team.
That says everything for me.

On another note they are having a hockey camp with the bolts this summer you might wish to check it out. Would be good for you to get back in shape.

Mike

[PD]

Marki New Orleans was a blast.
Great food , great party.

Unfortunately the snake lady on Decater St. see's a huge black cloud around OK's finances.

[Hockey Chic]

Mike 13 well said about Lawtons panache for forwards. Everyone and I mean everyone seemed to be in agreement that we need defense and not forwards.

That being said, I will tell you when the wallbangers met with OK he said, "do not be surprised if we pick up forwards." I was rather shocked and then he replied, "as we could use them for trade material."

I really think almost all would agree (even pd) that we need to build defense. Although I am not saying we need all defense. My thought is we need a healthy mez, ranger, murphy to name a few.

Lets see how the rest of the crew we had as stand in last year come along and add to that. We do need a #1 - #2 defense for sure and while I love Paulie I just do not think he is it.

Anywho looks like the wings man handled the hawks. Dude that was sick.

For my buds, an update on the rehab. It is going well. The doc says I can go on the ice when I am ready. The heart is willing at this point, but the flesh needs some work. I am shooting to be out there in the next couple of weeks.

Go Bolts..

[goldenbolt]

Again folks - If hedman is available you take the no brainer pick. 'O' we have 'D' it's a dream. Think 6'6' 220 and still growing... Pair him with Smaby who hit's almost everything coming to the blue line and you have something for a long time. And yes like Don St.Pete I believe Smabs is just coming into his own and will be a stud for many years for the Bolts.

tavares vs Duchene

Tavares 6' 195 in a wet suit

Duchene 5'11 200 - Hmmm he is also listed as 5-9 180 which is it.

I like the fact the Duck as I'd call him plays with abandon at both ends of the ice...... I hear a marty signing in the rain versus the Tavares playing lots of 'O' but not so interested in the "d" or battles in the corner.
That would be a tough call. To be honest did not see enough of either player in the cup games to make a determination but with Lawton enamored with the Duck at the meet a few weeks back that looks to be the pick.

If Hedman is picked then trade the pick to Toronto for Schewn and the #7.

Mike
Mike

[Marki Mark and the funky bunch]

Good Morning Poolers,bloggers

Series getting close to light up the scoreboard in round 3

I updated the poolers site so you have a couple link of database hockey and also a fantasy tool for info

i made a section of video poolers presentation with voice cute video take a look

http://tampahockeypool.spaces.live.com/default.aspx

for those of you that had the best round or the best teams win there is certificate on the site with your name on it,just click on it and you can take it , you do a (save as) picture.
have fun people.

PD

How was New Orlean ?

Good luck poolers in round 3

[PD]

Mike P the Lightning need to win right now period.
No matter who, the 1st rounder will be a rookie.

[Steve-O]

Based on what is coming out lately I think Duchene is the better choice over Tavares. Tavares developed early but is not putting up the same kind of #'s, whiles Duchene is coming on. I still think Hedman is the right pick BUT if Toronto really wants our pick and would part with Schenn then shifting to Cowan would be a solid day. Never say never!

[mike p]

If Hedman goes first, Lightning NEED to go with Tavares. No question. The outcry against trading Vinny is a perfect example of why they need big name players to gain the interest of most of the fans. Who is more likely to raise interest in local media in Tampa Bay, Tavares or Duchene? Now it is possible that Duchene turns out to make more of a name for himself in the NHL later on, but the Lightning need to sell tickets/generate interest NOW.

[2WayCenter]

Flasher - What do you think? Kinda hard to say based on utube videos and reports on what scouts see and say. I've never seen these guys skate.

[Boltflasher]

Let's assume the Isle take Hedman. Let the debate begin: Tavares vs Duchesne...

[2WayCenter]

I like your description of Matt Duchene. In recent years, top offensive picks have made an impact sooner. Defense takes more seasoning, 300 games some say. Bolts already have a young D, so drafting a star forward might be a good idea if there is something left in the coffers to bring in a couple experienced blueliners thru FA. A better way to keep the mast pointed toward the sky next season Turtle?

[The Voice of the Turtle]

Mr. Boltflasher:

Hold on! Not so fast on turning away from Matt Duchene who some scouts insist is the pick of the litter, notwithstanding the lofty praise awarded to Tavares and Hedman.

Duchene, they say, has great ability and leadership skills: shift after shift, a fierce competitor who will do anything to win.

Tavares, while extremely gifted, is, allegedly, basically a one-way player.

Hedman is said to be a bluechip defenseman in the making who might likely contribute immediately but is 2 to 3 years away from becoming an important NHL player.

Then again, scouting reports about teen-aged kids cannot always be accurate (example: Brian Lawton). Central Scouting, however, probably has a much better track record than the picks that have been made by the Tampa Bay Lightning over the years. Let's face it, the Lecavalier selection was a no brainer.

But, one thing is for sure, great teams are rarely, if ever, built by trading away prime low-round draft picks. Jay Feaster, the last fencepost to serve as GM before Lawton, can certainly bear witness to that truism.

[Don in St. Pete]

Koistenen is a little more excitable, offensivley talented version of Lashoff. Personally, I was not impressed with Lashoff at all, although he has some moves. He was totally deficient in the defensive end from what I saw. Koistenen played Forward for most of the season for Nash. I'm not sure he'd be better than Lashoff who's an RFA.

[Mike13]

The only thing that concerns me is Lawton's penchant for going after forwards before defense. But, I think in this case, it would not be the end of the world. Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that Hedman is the right choice. For lots of reasons. The primary one being a top-talent-devastated defensive corps. But, landing Duchene is not out of the question, nor would it be totally bad. He is a smart kid and is definitely a top-line player. It would be nice if Lawton could trade down to #3 and pick up perhaps Scott Hannan in the deal.

It'll be an exciting day, no matter how things pan out.

[Boltflasher]

If the Bolts keep the #2 and don't draft either Hedman or Tavares, no explanation will suffice...

On the rumour mill, Eklund says Bolts have inside track on FA Ville Koistinen, not exactly a #1 or #2 defenseman but better than most of the guys they brought in last year...