The Tampa Bay Lightning ripped through the final round of the draft with four selections (12.5% of the picks in the round!) to finish out their day. Much like last year, there was a goaltender in the mix. Here is how it shook out:
Pick 193 – Caleb Heil – Goaltender
Another draft re-entry, Heil is committed to attend the University of North Dakota. He was third in the USHL with 25 wins while posting an .896 SV% (tied for 16th in the league) and a 2.85 GAA (17th). He is tall and athletic, but sometimes his athleticism gets in his way as he overcommits to saves, which can leave him out of position on second-chance opportunities.
Pick 206 – Roman Luttsev – Forward
The Lightning kept the re-entry train going with the Luttsev pick. He put up 30 goals in 50 games for Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL. Described as a hard-nosed player that is solid in all aspects of the game. He skates well and has a decent enough shot. Chances are he stays in Russia for at least one more season before coming over.
Pick 212 – Grant Spada – Defenseman
A 6’5″ defenseman with Guelph Storm, Spada is a physical defenseman who uses his size to shut down the opponents. Quicker forwards can elude him, so he’ll have to work on his footwork and positioning as he develops in the OHL over the next few seasons.
Pick 215 – Marco Mignosa – Forward
Another over-ager, Mignosa has had a solid career with the Soo Greyhounds, posting 200 points (81 goals, 119 assists) in 238 OHL games. A solid, all-around player with a scoring touch who doesn’t cheat on defense, the 20-year-old could be one of the first players from this draft class to turn pro for the Lightning.
