Post by tynz on Mar 4, 2010 13:56:27 GMT -5
The Tampa Lightning are defensive. Seriously, just ask them. All kidding aside it looks like GM Tyler Bell has quite the stable of goalies and defensemen. 7 of their top 10 prospects are one or the other with many honourable mentions also in that area of specialty. The most obvious strength is in net with Simeon Varlamov and Jonathon Bernier on the depth chart. Ryan Parent, Cody Franson, Brent Regner, Mark Fistric and Brett Festerling look to be key cogs on the future blue line. A lack of forwards will certainly hurt the system though. Only Viktor Thikinov, Michal Repik and Colton Gillies made the top ten in the team’s midseason ranking.
1. Simeon Varlamov- Will be an BRHL star. Period. It’s quite a bold statement but Varlamov has been backing it up. The Lightning gave up Niklas Backstrom, another strong goalie, just to get him and he hasn’t disappointed down in Norfolk. Will be the starter in Tampa next season.
2. Jonathon Bernier- Caught in bind with Varlamov ahead of him. Will be at least the Starter in Norfolk but should play in Tampa at some point. Could end up seeing a 2 headed monster with Bernier and Varlamov sharing the net. Playing excellent in the Minor Leagues right now.
3. Ryan Parent- Shutdown rearguard has been brilliant this year. Has played games in both BRHL and the AHL but has really thrived in a starring role in Norfolk. His production has improved and is looking clutch in a pairing with Mark Fistric. Will be in Tampa next season in the top 4.
4. Cody Franson- All around d-man has the skills to play now. Just needs a little bit more maturity and will be a force in the BRHL. Playing extremely well in the minors and could get the call should the Lightning make the playoffs. Franson is going to be in a Lightning uniform next season and likely in the top 4.
5. Viktor Thikinov- One of the only offensive prospects Thikinov has the tools to be successful in the BRHL. He is showing his stuff with 60+ points in Norfolk. He holds his own key to Tampa next year. That being said, he will likely play in Tampa next year in the top 6.
6. Michal Repik- A very gifted two-way player Repik will need to show more offence if he hopes to make it to Tampa next season. He is great on the PK and plays an exceptional game. This has been an ok season in the minors but he is still a big time player. Likely will be in Tampa next season.
7. Mark Fistric- Dedication and Leadership. Those two words are the biggest descriptors of Fistric. He has slowly developed into a good defenseman over the years and since pairing with Parent has really stymied the opposition. Looks to be a lock for Tampa next year and may even get a letter on his jersey.
8. Brent Regner- A strong puck mover, Regner looks to be a strong player for years to come. The ability to pass the puck so well is a skill that is not easily taught but is seamless to him. Regners stats have steadily improved and that combined with his work ethic should propel him to a top pairing in Norfolk next season.
9. Brett Festerling- Being a stay-at-home d-man rarely puts a player in the limelight but that’s where Festerling is different. His defensive style along with the ability to log important minutes in a game have made it hard to ignore. With the logjam on defence with the big club Festerling will likely spend time in Norfolk until a spot opens up.
10. Colton Gillies- A big bodied presence Gillies also has a decent scoring touch. This season has been a struggle for Gillies but his enormous potential is still there. Probably will end up as a Center in Tampa but don’t be surprised if he ends up in Norfolk for a bit more seasoning.
Notables
Nigel Dawes- Streaky scorer has had a good season
Nikolai Kulemin- Been a disappointment so far but potential is there
Matt D’ Agostini- Decent year will lead to Norfolk next season
Jannick Hansen- Will be a player to watch. Very similar to Repik
Drew Scheistel- Norfolk for some apprenticing is in order
Robert Bortuzzo- Could move up the charts quickly with breakout season
Jared Staal- Last one through slowly improving
Brett Palin- No-Nonsense d-man a solid bet for Captaincy of Norfolk
Tyler Wieman- Lost on the depth chart but don’t be surprised if he starts in Norfolk
Daniel Paille- Enigma finally sorting things out
1. Simeon Varlamov- Will be an BRHL star. Period. It’s quite a bold statement but Varlamov has been backing it up. The Lightning gave up Niklas Backstrom, another strong goalie, just to get him and he hasn’t disappointed down in Norfolk. Will be the starter in Tampa next season.
2. Jonathon Bernier- Caught in bind with Varlamov ahead of him. Will be at least the Starter in Norfolk but should play in Tampa at some point. Could end up seeing a 2 headed monster with Bernier and Varlamov sharing the net. Playing excellent in the Minor Leagues right now.
3. Ryan Parent- Shutdown rearguard has been brilliant this year. Has played games in both BRHL and the AHL but has really thrived in a starring role in Norfolk. His production has improved and is looking clutch in a pairing with Mark Fistric. Will be in Tampa next season in the top 4.
4. Cody Franson- All around d-man has the skills to play now. Just needs a little bit more maturity and will be a force in the BRHL. Playing extremely well in the minors and could get the call should the Lightning make the playoffs. Franson is going to be in a Lightning uniform next season and likely in the top 4.
5. Viktor Thikinov- One of the only offensive prospects Thikinov has the tools to be successful in the BRHL. He is showing his stuff with 60+ points in Norfolk. He holds his own key to Tampa next year. That being said, he will likely play in Tampa next year in the top 6.
6. Michal Repik- A very gifted two-way player Repik will need to show more offence if he hopes to make it to Tampa next season. He is great on the PK and plays an exceptional game. This has been an ok season in the minors but he is still a big time player. Likely will be in Tampa next season.
7. Mark Fistric- Dedication and Leadership. Those two words are the biggest descriptors of Fistric. He has slowly developed into a good defenseman over the years and since pairing with Parent has really stymied the opposition. Looks to be a lock for Tampa next year and may even get a letter on his jersey.
8. Brent Regner- A strong puck mover, Regner looks to be a strong player for years to come. The ability to pass the puck so well is a skill that is not easily taught but is seamless to him. Regners stats have steadily improved and that combined with his work ethic should propel him to a top pairing in Norfolk next season.
9. Brett Festerling- Being a stay-at-home d-man rarely puts a player in the limelight but that’s where Festerling is different. His defensive style along with the ability to log important minutes in a game have made it hard to ignore. With the logjam on defence with the big club Festerling will likely spend time in Norfolk until a spot opens up.
10. Colton Gillies- A big bodied presence Gillies also has a decent scoring touch. This season has been a struggle for Gillies but his enormous potential is still there. Probably will end up as a Center in Tampa but don’t be surprised if he ends up in Norfolk for a bit more seasoning.
Notables
Nigel Dawes- Streaky scorer has had a good season
Nikolai Kulemin- Been a disappointment so far but potential is there
Matt D’ Agostini- Decent year will lead to Norfolk next season
Jannick Hansen- Will be a player to watch. Very similar to Repik
Drew Scheistel- Norfolk for some apprenticing is in order
Robert Bortuzzo- Could move up the charts quickly with breakout season
Jared Staal- Last one through slowly improving
Brett Palin- No-Nonsense d-man a solid bet for Captaincy of Norfolk
Tyler Wieman- Lost on the depth chart but don’t be surprised if he starts in Norfolk
Daniel Paille- Enigma finally sorting things out