Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2022 13:51:38 GMT -6
Throughout the last year, it seemed that the Tampa Bay Lightning had little to no interest in making a first round pick in the 2022 PFHL Entry Draft. The Bolts started with two first picks round picks early on in the regular season following the trade for Andrei Vasilevskiy. As the season progressed, it looked like the team had acquired a potentially high pick from the Ottawa Senators, and a chance at first overall favourite Shane Wright.
For months, the Lightning had two first round picks on the block, including a pick they were selling as a potential lottery option. While failing to find a suitor for the Ottawa pick, they pulled the trigger on a deal sending their own first rounder as part of the package for Ryan O'Reilly. Around that time, the Ottawa Senators went on an absolute tear to push for a playoff spot. As the value of the Sens pick diminished, Tampa Bay continued to push for a major deadline acquisition. However, the team was still cautious to move a pick that could be a long term piece of the puzzle.
As the deadline came to a close, and playoff rosters took shape, Tampa was left holding their cards close to their chest. Scouts began to prepare to make the pick, despite management's continued efforts to work out a trade. As the trade freeze lifted and the offseason began, the market for first round picks softened. Rumours around the league suggested Tampa Bay was close to moving the pick several times, with various players on the block, but never found the right fit. It just wasn't worth it to the franchise to move out a potential impact prospect for the rental options that were available.
Enter Brad Lambert.
In a draft filled with elite level hockey names, a Finnish player named Brad Lambert fit in perfectly. But he's more than just an outlier on a Finnish national team roster. Lambert possesses elite skating, arguably the fastest player in the draft. And while he comes with his warts, he's had scouts drooling over him as a potential top 3 pick for years. While some sources have questioned his consistency and his work ethic, others may look at the tumultuous team situations he's been in, and see a player with untapped potential. The kid can absolutely fly, and if he's given the opportunity, he could be a home run for Tampa Bay.
Or who knows, maybe a breakout season in Finland leads to renewed interest in the young player, and Tampa Bay leverages his ability in a trade for a cornerstone forward.
For months, the Lightning had two first round picks on the block, including a pick they were selling as a potential lottery option. While failing to find a suitor for the Ottawa pick, they pulled the trigger on a deal sending their own first rounder as part of the package for Ryan O'Reilly. Around that time, the Ottawa Senators went on an absolute tear to push for a playoff spot. As the value of the Sens pick diminished, Tampa Bay continued to push for a major deadline acquisition. However, the team was still cautious to move a pick that could be a long term piece of the puzzle.
As the deadline came to a close, and playoff rosters took shape, Tampa was left holding their cards close to their chest. Scouts began to prepare to make the pick, despite management's continued efforts to work out a trade. As the trade freeze lifted and the offseason began, the market for first round picks softened. Rumours around the league suggested Tampa Bay was close to moving the pick several times, with various players on the block, but never found the right fit. It just wasn't worth it to the franchise to move out a potential impact prospect for the rental options that were available.
Enter Brad Lambert.
In a draft filled with elite level hockey names, a Finnish player named Brad Lambert fit in perfectly. But he's more than just an outlier on a Finnish national team roster. Lambert possesses elite skating, arguably the fastest player in the draft. And while he comes with his warts, he's had scouts drooling over him as a potential top 3 pick for years. While some sources have questioned his consistency and his work ethic, others may look at the tumultuous team situations he's been in, and see a player with untapped potential. The kid can absolutely fly, and if he's given the opportunity, he could be a home run for Tampa Bay.
Or who knows, maybe a breakout season in Finland leads to renewed interest in the young player, and Tampa Bay leverages his ability in a trade for a cornerstone forward.
