Tampa Bay Lightning Look to the Future

With the selection of Steve Stamkos first overall in this season's NHL entry draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning are certainly in a better spot than they were one year ago. The Lightning finished the 2007-2008 season in last place overall, meaning there is only one direction to go from here, up. The Lightning have wasted no time in making improvements this off season. Whether it be choosing Stamkos first overall, or signing players like Marc Recchi or Ryan Malone, the Lightning have proved they want to get this team back on track. They also managed to re-sign star centermen Vincent Lecavalier to a long term contract, and hired ESPN analyst Barry Melrose as their new head coach.

All of these moves are fine and dandy, but where do the new kids come in? Where will Tampa Bay's young talent fit in this year? Even though the Lightning have one of the worst farm teams in the Norfolk Admirals, the Lightning still have a good crop of youngsters that could make their way onto the team next season. New coach Barry Melrose knows that an improvement in the minor league team will have to be addressed some time in the near future. Minor league teams play a pivotal role in providing young talent a place to learn and grow before making the jump to the NHL. Melrose knows the Lightning need to improve their system to keep a steady stream of talent coming in who are NHL ready.

One of those players who could be NHL ready next season is Blair Jones. Jones spent last season with the Lightning's minor league team the Norfolk Admirals putting up a respectable 42 points and 50 penalty minutes. Jones should start the season off with the Admirals as their first line center and go to guy up front. If the Lightning struggle down the stretch towards the playoffs, look for Jones to possibly step into the third or fourth line center position providing grit and determination. At 6 foot 3 and 210 pounds, Jones knows how to mix it up with the opposing team, and has the skills to match.

Another youngster who will make a splash in the future is Swiss born Luca Cunti. Cunti spent last season playing with the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. Cunti was a third round pick by the Lightning in 2007, and would make a great second line winger in the future. Cunti is a capable force on the power play and has great vision to find open ice during the man advantage.

On the back end of the puck the Lightning have just as many prospects. Defensemen Matt Smaby is among the best of the bunch. Smaby played 14 games with the Lightning last season and could earn a full time spot this time around. The 6-foot-6 239 pound defensemen makes him a physical force on the back end. Smaby's play with the Norfolk Admirals during most of last season saw his game get better and better. The Lightning hope that Smaby can bring his size and skills to training camp this year to help them make the playoffs this coming season.

In net the Lightning have Karri Ramo. Although hardly considered a prospect anymore because he appeared in 24 NHL games last season with the Lightning. When Marc Denis proved to be a disappointment in net, Ramo was called up to take over. With the Lightning picking up goaltender Mike Smith from the Dallas Stars last season, Ramo will likely become the Lightning's full time back up goaltender.