Submitted by chad on July 23, 2016 - 17:06

Introduction

The 2015-2016 season is getting smaller in the rearview mirror and the 2016 offseason is almost half over. The Lightning appear to have had a solid draft at first glance, but time will be the ultimate judge. The club followed the excitement around the draft with potentially the biggest offseason in its history, locking up Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman until well into the 2020’s. Alex Killorn joined the core club just a few weeks later.

With old-timers coming back and new blood in the system, it’s time for our annual Supplemental Rankings, where we insert the club’s latest draftees into our existing list of top prospects.

This go-round sees the exit of what was our No. 3 prospect, Anthony DeAngelo, who was sent to Arizona for a second round pick (Libor Hajek).

As is customary, the rules of the rankings are as follows: to be eligible for the rankings a player must be under the age of 24 on opening night of the Lightning's season. As such, a prospect like Luke Witkowski is considered an overage prospect for the purposes of the rankings. A skating position player with 41 games of NHL experience in a single season or 82 games of overall NHL experience is considered graduated from prospect status and is ineligible for the rankings. Hence, Jonathan Drouin is not in the rankings this season. Goaltenders who earn 30 decisions in a single NHL season or 41 overall NHL decisions are also considered graduated from prospect status and are ineligible for ranking as well. Finally, NCAA-based players are eligible for the rankings regardless of age for the full duration of their collegiate careers.

Terms and conditions aside, we begin the 2016 Supplemental Rankings with the top choice retaining his No. 1 selection from the final rankings. Oh, and he just got a 3-year extension, too.

Ranking date: July 2016

1. G Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay (NHL)

With a 3-year extension newly signed and the cap-strapped Lightning almost certain to move 2017 UFA Ben Bishop’s contract at some point in the next calendar year, Vasilevskiy has the Lightning’s Goaltender of the Future belt firmly around his waist. Fans nervous about Vasy being in the cage for the next decade need not worry too much. As evidenced in the Pittsburgh series, the more he plays, the better he gets. Will there be soft goals as he matures? Yes, a few. Just keep in mind most goalies his age are still in the AHL. Vasy is good enough now that his developmental level is better than some teams’ starter’s. Once called “The Russian Carey Price,” Vasy is an affordable puzzle piece for the Lightning for the foreseeable future.

Season totals (TB): 24 GP, 11-10-0, 2.76 GAA, .910 sv%

Playoff totals (TB): 8 GP, 3-4, 2.76 GAA, .925 sv%

2016-2017 projected role: 1-B to Ben Bishop in Tampa until Bishop is dealt.

Career Potential: All-star level No. 1 goaltender

2. D Slater Koekkoek, Syracuse (AHL)

While Koekkoek overtook Nikita Nesterov and Matt Carle for the third pair/left side role in the playoffs last season, both still remained on the roster until Carle was bought out by the Lightning. Koekkoek enters this season as the presumptive favorite for the 3LD spot, though Nesterov was pushing for that spot last offseason. The difference between the two is Nesterov came out of nowhere to have a breakout year two seasons ago, then fell a bit in the 2015 playoffs. Koekkoek has been on a constant climb, has a much higher ceiling and probability rate than Nesterov, and he finished the 2016 playoffs on a high note. Koekkoek now looks to overtake Jason Garrison at some point this season for the 2LD spot. That should happen by the 2017 post-season. A point-machine in junior, Koekkoek has much, much more offense to offer than he showed in Syracuse, where his developmental focus was on own-zone play.

Season totals (SYR): 60 GP, 5-10-15

Playoff totals (TB): 10 GP, 0-1-1

2016-2017 Projected Role: Third pair defenseman for Tampa Bay, with the opportunity to play his way up the ladder

Career Potential: Top-4, minute-eating NHL defenseman

3. C Brayden Point, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Point takes over the No. 3 spot on the list thanks to the departure of DeAngelo. Size and skating knocked Point to the third round two drafts ago, but all reports from the Lightning’s development camp this month say he’s improved tremendously in his skating. The Moose Jaw captain has to get bigger and stronger to play in the NHL longterm, and he’ll get the time to develop this year in Syracuse. Lightning Director of Amateur Scouting Al Murray said Point was as good a prospect in the CHL this year as Toronto’s Mitch Marner, who won that honor. Point is the Lightning’s top forward prospect thanks to his skills, smarts, and now skating.

Season totals (MJ): 48 GP, 35-53-88

Playoff totals (MJ): 10 GP, 6-10-16

2016-2017 Projected Role: Point will compete for a scoring line spot in Syracuse before working his way up to 1C with the Crunch. He could earn himself a call-up to Tampa Bay by the end of the season.

Career Potential: If he adds weight, Point can be a solid NHL scoring line center and power play specialist.

4. C Brett Howden, Moose Jaw (WHL)

Howden, the Lightning’s top pick in the 2016 draft, debuts at No. 4 on the list. His upside isn’t that of a scoring leader, but he’s a solid two-way center prospect whose floor isn’t far from his ceiling. With Brayden Point no longer in Moose Jaw, Howden will have a prime opportunity to up his production with more ice time. Making Team Canada for the WJC’s would be a big-time achievement to put him in the upper echelon of CHL prospects.

Season totals (MJ): 68 GP, 24-40-64

Playoff totals (MJ): 10 GP, 4-11-15

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line center for the Warriors

Career Potential: Traditional second line, 2-way center

5. D Libor Hajek, Saskatoon (WHL)

A first-rounder in the eyes of the Lightning, 2016 second-rounder Libor Hajek debuts at No. 5 with the chance to break the top-5 or -3 as he develops his all-around game. Tampa Bay thought enough of Hajek to trade former first rounder Anthony DeAngelo to Arizona, so they feel he has significant upside as an NHL minute-eater. Hajek doesn’t have nor never will have the offense of DeAngelo, but his complete game will be a difference-maker down the line. Hajek’s numbers will improve as Saskatoon improves. If he was on a conference contender his offensive production would be significantly better.

Season totals (Sask): 69 GP, 3-23-26

2016-2017 Projected Role: First pair defenseman for Blades

Career Potential: Top-4 NHL 2-way defenseman

6. W Nikita Gusev, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

A 2-time KHL all-star, Gusev has become a household name in Russia. He signed a 2-year contract with SKA earlier this year so he’s in the KHL for another two seasons. The Lightning aren’t desperate for the help like they were in the club’s early and middle years, but he’d definitely be a bonus if he was in North America. Gusev is proving to be close to a best-case scenario for seventh round flier picks. Keep an eye on Gusev’s rights, which could be traded in any kind of deal involving a contract being moved out of Tampa. Comparisons to Calder Trophy winner Artemi Panarin of Chicago only help his value.

Season totals (K-M, SKA): 56 GP, 20-29-49

Playoff totals (SKA): 15 GP, 5-9-14

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line winger with SKA

Career Potential: Point-producing forward and power play weapon if he can transition to a North-South game and the situation is right to draw him to North America

7. W Adam Erne, Syracuse (AHL)

Like a lot of AHL rookies, Erne started slow last season before taking off in the second half of the season. The only difference was many rookies struggle with game speed and playing against men for the first time, whereas Erne added a significant injury to that list. When he simplified his game and used his size to his advantage, he started becoming a force by season’s end. If he can keep that going, he could earn a call-up with the Lightning this year and a full-time gig in 2017-2018. The quickest way for him to reach the NHL is as a power forward who can begin on the lower lines and work his way up.

Season totals (SYR): 59 GP, 14-15-29

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-6 winger in Syracuse

Career Potential: Top-6/9 NHL power forward

8. C/W Mitchell Stephens, Saginaw (OHL)

If not for an injury just prior to the World Junior Championships and playing on a bad team, Stephens may have been a breakout prospect last season. He was the Spirit’s top-line center and earned increased minutes with Canada at the WJCs after starting as their extra forward. He has underrated skills to go with his Ryan Callahan-like game and his breakout should come this season if he can get quality teammates around him in Saginaw. He was dynamic in Syracuse to end the year, creating multiple opportunities per game from the fourth line. If he got the opportunities prospects on stronger junior teams got, his name would be in lights. He should be a leader for Canada in the WJC’s this winter.

Season totals (SAG): 39 GP, 20-18-38

Playoff totals (SAG): 4 GP, 2-1-3

2016-2017 Projected Role: First liner, OHL all-star for Saginaw

Career Potential: Top-6/9 NHL complimentary forward

9. C/W Boris Katchouk, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Opinions on Katchouk varied entering the 2016 draft, with some projecting him as a late first rounder and others a top-70 pick. The Lightning took him early in the second round and should receive good value for their choice. Katchouk is similar to Mitchell Stephens in that he can grind his way to goals, or show some skill to set up teammates.

Season totals (SSM): 63 GP, 24-27-51

Playoff totals (SSM): 12 GP, 6-4-10

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line winger with the Soo who should top 30 goals

Career Potential: Top-6/9 NHL complimentary forward

10. C Matthew Peca, Syracuse (AHL)

Like Erne, Peca struggled during the first half of his rookie pro season, but also came around the second half when he became accustomed to the game speed. Peca is a smart player with great skill who leaves you thinking he could be more of an offensive force than he’s showed. An asset on the penalty kill, Peca plays a strong 2-way game despite his lack of size, drawing rave reviews from veteran teammates in Syracuse.

Season totals (SYR): 65 GP, 8-35-43

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-6 forward in Syracuse

Career Potential: Top-9 NHL forward who may settle into a defensive role

11. C Tanner Richard, Syracuse (AHL)

No Bolt prospect is banging on the NHL door louder than Tanner Richard. The former Guelph playmaker has transitioned into an AHL checker, then into an AHL scoring threat. Combine the two with his size and willingness to battle and Richard is a strong candidate to earn a third or fourth line spot with the Lightning in camp. His ability to win faceoffs could be the difference between him starting the season in Florida or New York.

Season totals (SYR): 71 GP, 11-43-54

2016-2017 Projected Role: Shuttling between Tampa Bay’s fourth line and Syracuse’s top lines

Career Potential: Third or fourth line NHL center who can contribute on the power play and upper lines if needed

12. W Taylor Raddysh, Erie (OHL)

Raddysh, a skilled complementary forward for the loaded Erie Otters last season, debuts at No. 12 after being taken in June’s second round. The OHL all-star will get the chance to prove sooner than later that he can produce without elite-level linemates. He's the fourth prospect on this list who projects as Alex Killorn type, joining Erne, Stephens, and Katchouk.

Season totals (Erie): 67 GP, 24-49-73

Playoff totals (Erie): 12 GP, 4-6-10

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line winger in Erie and team leader

Career Potential: Top-9 NHL forward

13. G Kristers Gudlevskis, Syracuse (AHL)

Gudlevskis falls to No. 13 after the influx of 2016 draftees, which is the average between Gudlevskis at his dynamic best and maddening worst. Is he a big, athletic, competitive acrobat capable of stealing any game, or is he someone who lacks consistent focus and lets in beach balls? The last two years he’s been a bit of both, and seems to only respond when challenged. If Ben Bishop leaves the Lightning, Gudlevskis will be in competition for the backup role, pending an acquisition. Is that enough to get him to play like a starter night in and night out, or will he fail to properly prepare mentally for "just another regular season game"? Time will tell, and this is a decision year. Vasilevskiy shone behind Syracuse’s inconsistent defense; Gudlevskis didn't, ranking 33rd in GAA and 32nd in save percentage.

Season totals (SYR): 41 GP, 16-12-10, 2.83 GAA, .907 sv%

2016-2017 Projected Role: No. 1 in Syracuse

Career Potential: NHL 1-B or KHL starter

14. D Dominik Masin, Peterborough (OHL)

Masin turns pro after a breakout second half for the Petes when he was nearly a point-per-gamer from the blueline. The Lightning are high on the former second-rounder, and for good reason. Just be patient. He’s still raw and developing, but in time he could be an energetic second pair defenseman capable of 30 points. Next year he’ll try to acclimate to the AHL and work his way up the Crunch blueline pairings.

Season totals (PBO): 57 GP, 8-32-40

Playoff totals (PBO): 7 GP, 0-3-3

2016-2017 Projected Role: Third pair defenseman for Syracuse to start

Career Potential: Top-4/5 NHL defenseman

15. W Joel Vermin, Syracuse (AHL)

Vermin was given a 1-year contract at the end of the season ensuring he stays in North America for at least one more year. With Ryan Callahan out until November, Vermin could sneak into the opening night lineup for the Lightning as he plays a comparable role. The Swiss winger was having a breakout year for the Crunch before earning a call-up to the Lightning, but the pesky point producer broke his hand in mid-December and missed two months. He wasn’t the same player when he came back with the Crunch, but started to re-find his game in Syracuse’s last few games. Vermin has a long career back in the Swiss league waiting for him if the NHL dream doesn’t work out. He has another level to find before he’s a full-time NHLer.

Season totals (SYR): 37 GP, 9-12-21

2016-2017 Projected Role: Shuttling between Tampa Bay’s lower lines and Syracuse’s top lines

Career Potential: Fringe, but versatile NHL winger or Swiss league scoring liner

16. W Dennis Yan, Shawinigan (QMJHL)

Despite Yan’s inconsistent season, the 2015 third rounder was given an entry-level contract by the Lightning a year before the deadline. We would have guessed the contract would have been dangled like a carrot in front of him next year, but the Lightning felt comfortable enough in Yan’s skills to get it done early. Yan, who combines above-average skill with some nasty, redeemed himself a bit for a tremendously disappointing second half by producing in the playoffs before the finals, then had a decent development camp with the Lightning in June. There’s no denying the Oregon native’s skill, but his work ethic has yet to come close to similar Bolt prospects known for character and compete-level like Stephens, Katchouk, and Point.

Season totals (SHAW): 62 GP, 32-37-69

Playoff totals (SHAW): 20 GP, 10-5-15

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line with Shawinigan

Career Potential: Top-9 NHL forward if he can complete his game

17. G Adam Wilcox, Syracuse (AHL)

Wilcox is a classic case of doing better at the eyeball test than the stat sheet. For a rookie pro, the former Golden Gopher 3-year starter did fairly well, especially sparking a winter win streak that nearly got the Crunch back into the playoff picture. Wilcox’s positioning was good and his focus on the puck may be his top strength. He had trouble with shots through traffic – especially from the center point, but seemed to improve as the year went on. Goaltenders take time and Wilcox will get ample opportunity in Year 2 to keep climbing the ladder. He’s one year away from being Syracuse’s No. 1, then perhaps reaching the NHL.

Season totals (SYR): 27 GP, 9-12-8, 3.34 GAA, .891sv%

2016-2017 Projected Role: No. 2 in Syracuse pending a Gudlevskis trade or promotion

Career Potential: NHL depth goaltender with chance to be a starter in the right situation

18. D Matthew Spencer, Peterborough (OHL)

Like Yan, Spencer received a contract from the Lightning a year earlier than expected. Spencer has the build and tools to be a fine professional, so it’s not so much a surprise that he got the contract, just the timing. He was partnered with Masin for most of the year in Peterborough and played a stay-at-home role. His points-per-game actually dropped from his draft year from .45 to .40. The former No. 3 overall OHL pick has more to give, and with Masin in the AHL this year Spencer will get that opportunity. He may never live up to his No. 3 overall billing, but he could be a solid 4/5 in the Lightning system someday.

Season totals (PBO): 60 GP, 5-19-24

Playoff totals (PBO): 7 GP, 0-1-1

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-2/4 in Peterborough

Career Potential: NHL 4/5 defenseman

19. G Connor Ingram, Kamloops (WHL)

Going into the draft for a second time, Ingram was plucked by the Lightning in the third round, making him only the fourth goaltender taken by Tampa Bay that high since Jonathan Boutin in 2003. With Kristian Oldham expected to be at the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the next 2-3 years, it’s possible Ingram makes the jump to AHL Syracuse in 2017-2018. He played the role of superhero for the Blazers late this season and was one of only four goaltenders invited to Team Canada’s WJC development camp – high praise. He’s smaller than most Lightning goalie prospects over the past half-decade, but is one to watch.

Season totals (KAM): 61 GP, 34-15-9, 2.61 GAA, .922sv%

Playoff totals (KAM): 7 GP, 3-3-0, 2.12 GAA, .938sv%

2016-2017 Projected Role: No. 1 in Kamloops with chance to play for Canada in WJCs

Career Potential: NHL backup with upside

20. D Dylan Blujus, Syracuse (AHL)

Despite falling on the stat sheet from his rookie season, Blujus improved in Year 2 of his professional career by maturing in his own end and eventually earning power play time. He’s a player who takes what the game gives him, so he’s not pushing the play offensively as much as he probably could. He’s responsible and skates well, which should make him a candidate to be called up to the Lightning at some point this season if a space opens up. Tampa Bay craves right-handed defensemen, and Blujus seems to be just behind Luke Witkowski as the next righty in line for the Lightning after the top three pairs.

Season totals (SYR): 61 GP, 6-13-19

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-4 role in Syracuse with possible NHL call-up

Career Potential: NHL 6/7 defenseman

21. W Mathieu Joseph, Saint John (QMJHL)

Joseph exploded this past season for Saint John, contributing on the scoresheet at more than a point-per-game while maintaining his aggressive, character-rich style. A bad cut to his calf in the playoffs derailed the Sea Dogs’ run to the finals and put Joseph under the knife. Joseph recovered in time to stand out at the Lightning’s development camp, and if he improves his skating could have a contract before the next offseason (we're surprised he doesn't already have one). He’s in line to compete for Canada’s WJC team, which could elevate him to the next level of prospects if he makes it. Joseph is quickly earning one of our “Bolt Prospects favorite” tags.

Season totals (SJ): 58 GP, 33-40-73

Playoff totals (SJ): 5 GP, 5-2-7

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-line forward and leader for Saint John

Career Potential: Energetic grinder at NHL level capable of chipping in points

22. W Yanni Gourde, Syracuse (AHL)

Gourde, an unsigned restricted free agent, was expected to go back to Syracuse next year though it’s late July and he’s curiously still without a contract. The undersized winger earned a call-up early in the year and even notched an assist in his 2-game cup of coffee with Tampa Bay. His goal production fell off considerably last season, dropping from 29 goals in 2014-2015 to just 14 this year. He clicked with Jonathan Drouin during Drouin’s Syracuse stint, but an injury forced him out of the lineup at the end of the year. Sometimes RFA’s who haven’t signed by now see what they can find in Europe, with the NHL club retaining their rights should they want to come back, but there’s been no official word on Gourde’s plans. EDIT: Gourde signed a one year, 2-way contract on Monday, July 25.

Season totals (SYR): 65 GP, 14-30-44

2016-2017 Projected Role: Top-6 forward for Syracuse and depth winger for Tampa Bay

Career Potential: AHL scoring liner

23. C Anthony Cirelli, Oshawa (OHL)

Cirelli will be much higher next year at this time, especially if he continues to climb the development ladder like he has been doing. Cirelli has become the poster child for identifying talent on the lower lines of talented junior teams, then watching that talent blossom with a bigger role the following years. Christopher Paquette’s situation has already been compared to Cirelli, who’s a gritty 2-way character center with underrated skill and an impressive work ethic. If he can add weight on to his light frame over the next 3-4 years, Oshawa’s current captain will play in the NHL someday.

Season totals (OSH): 62 GP, 21-38-59

Playoff totals (OSH): 5 GP, 2-3-5

2016-2017 Projected Role: First line in Oshawa, captain

Career Potential: 2-way depth center if he can add weight

24. W/C Ross Colton, Cedar Rapids (USHL)

Colton sneaks onto the list after being taken by the Lightning in the fourth round of the 2016 draft – Colton’s second time through the draft. The skilled forward is headed to the University of Vermont, where Marty St. Louis’ banner hangs in the rafters. Colton is expected to be a producer right away for the Catamounts.

Season totals (CR): 55 GP, 35-31-66

Playoff totals (OSH): 5 GP, 1-0-1

2016-2017 Projected Role: Scoring liner for Vermont

Career Potential: Depth scoring forward

25. W Jonne Tammela, KalPa (Liiga - Finland)

Tammela is expected to make his North American debut with OHL Peterborough this year, where he should play big minutes vs if he went to AHL Syracuse. Tammela stood out at the Lightning’s development camp, darting in and out of traffic to create – and finish – scoring chances. It’s not out of the question that he could flirt with being a point-per-gamer with the Petes this year as he looks to add offense to his maturing, energetic 2-way game. It’s there, he just couldn’t show it much as a bottom liner against men in the Liiga last season. Tammela could easily be this year’s Lightning breakout prospect.

Season totals (KalPa): 37 GP, 5-8-13

Playoff totals (OSH): 3 GP, 0-0-0

2016-2017 Projected Role: Scoring liner for OHL Peterborough

Career Potential: Depth 2-way forward

*Pete Choquette, Timothy Bennett contributed to these rankings