Title: Lightning Make Strategic Moves in the NHL Draft to Secure Promising Players
Subtitle: Tampa Bay’s brass trades picks to move up in the draft and select players who embody the team’s identity.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made waves at the 2022 NHL Draft held in Nashville this week by executing strategic moves to secure players who embody the team’s identity. Despite having only three picks, with none before the sixth round, Lightning management was determined to make a bigger impact in the draft.
General Manager Julien BriseBois instructed amateur scouting director Al Murray to be prepared for anything, and Murray’s staff had carefully identified targets for each available pick. The Lightning made headline-worthy moves, trading forward Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche to secure the 37th overall pick, and later trading back into the fourth round by reacquiring the pick they had sent to the Nashville Predators in a previous trade.
With their first pick, the Lightning selected right-wing Ethan Gauthier, a player who perfectly fits the team’s “Bolt” mentality. Gauthier, who recently completed his second season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, showcased tremendous offensive skill, recording 30 goals and 69 points in 62 games last season. Despite his modest size, the Lightning view Gauthier as a complete two-way player.
In the fourth round, the Lightning chose Jayson Shaugabay, the top high school hockey player in Minnesota. Shaugabay, who amassed 33 goals and 96 points in 32 games during his senior year at Warroad High School, exhibited elite offensive skills. Lightning management sees great potential in Shaugabay, noting that he will have time to develop while playing for USHL Green Bay before advancing to college hockey.
The Lightning also officially parted ways with pending unrestricted free agent Corey Perry, trading his rights to the Chicago Blackhawks for a seventh-round pick in the 2024 draft. Perry, who contributed 31 goals and 65 points during his two seasons in Tampa Bay, now has exclusive negotiating rights with the Blackhawks until free agency begins.
Amateur scouting director Al Murray’s notable contributions to the organization were also recognized, as he was reassigned to the position of senior advisor to the general manager. John Rosso, the assistant player personnel director, will take over Murray’s previous responsibilities.
The Lightning rounded out their draft selections with defenseman Warren Clark, center Jack Harvey, and center Ethan Hay. Clark, a sixth-round pick, showed poise and skill with the puck and will join St. Cloud State University. Harvey, chosen in the seventh round, impressed with his goal-scoring ability and competitiveness, as he readies himself for Boston University. Lastly, the Lightning selected Ethan Hay, a center with a strong checking game from the Ontario Hockey League’s Flint Firebirds.
By making strategic moves and selecting players who exemplify the team’s values, the Lightning have positioned themselves for continued success on and off the ice.