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Huuhtanen must improve the rest of his game, like his transitional abilities, skating, and defensive game. Additionally, his offensive game flashes more potential, with one heck of a shot.

While Gauthier does get involved, Huuhtanen is larger (6’2” and 209 pounds) and can make a larger difference in the physical aspect of the game. He plays physical, and forechecks like his life depended on it. Huuhtanen brings a lot to the table that is similar to that of Gauthier. There, he posted 30 points in 48 games, an incredible feat for a 20-year-old kid. Last year, he made the choice to return to Finland, playing at the top men’s league for Jukurit. The very next season, Huuhtanen came over to North America, playing in the WHL, scoring 77 points in 65 games. The season he was drafted, he produced under a point-per-game in the U20 SM-Sarja in Finland (34 points in 37 games). Maybe the Lightning have yet another late-round steal, in the ilk of the aforementioned Palat. In the two seasons since, he has proven 30 other NHL GM’s a bit silly having overlooked him. Niko Huuhtanen was a seventh round draft choice (224th overall) in the 2021 NHL draft. If he can grow his offensive game to be more than a net-front presence, he could prove to be an even bigger steal than anyone thought the day he was drafted. He certainly has a niche style in the offensive end, but he is a responsible player in his own end due to his undeniable work ethic. As for his offensive game, he continues to find space as a net-front player, with excellent anticipation to tip-in shots or close in quickly on rebounds. However, his second NCAA season proved he may have figured out his game, scoring 32 points in 41 games with the University of Michigan.ĭuke needs to continue the momentum he has built from his sophomore season, while adding more to his skating. And, similar to that of Howard, after one season in the NCAA, that question still remained. It’s due to the fact his size, paired with his aggressive style of play may not translate at a higher level. As a matter of fact, he was consistently in everyone’s top-100, with his lowest pre-draft ranking placed at 86th. At the time, it was an excellent choice, praised by many who thought the diminutive Duke (5’10” and 181 pounds) had fallen too far. In the 2021 NHL draft, the Lightning drafted Dylan Duke with their fourth round pick (126th overall). This upcoming season, he will play with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, looking to take another step forward.

Being taken with the 37th overall selection in the most recent NHL draft, the 6’0” and 183 pound right winger is coming off of a solid QMJHL season with the Sherbrooke Phoenix (69 points in 66 games). 2023 Tampa Bay Lightning Top Prospects 1.) Ethan GauthierĮthan Gauthier is one of very few Tampa Bay Lightning prospects taken within the first two rounds of an NHL draft. These are not hard or fast rules though, and we may make some exceptions depending on the circumstances.

Today, we look at the 2023 Tampa Bay Lightning Top Prospects.įor those wondering, the cut-off for what is or isn’t a prospect is typically about 50 NHL games played (including playoff games) or is 25 years old. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow Ben Kerr, Kyle Pereira and Frederik Frandson on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! You can find all the articles here as well as our extensive NHL Draft preview. As we go through the summer of 2023, each day our LWOS Prospects Writers will bring you a look at one NHL team’s top prospects or other topical article.

Maple leafs lightning score professional#

Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players.