(Ed. Note: Welcome to the Puck Daddy 2013 summer project, the National Hockey League of Nations. We’ve recruited 30 writers/blogs to identify the best player in their favorite team’s history for each major nationality that creates the fabric of our beloved NHL: Canada, USA, Russia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland and The Rest of The World. It’s their criteria, as long as they can justify it. Read, debate and enjoy! If you want to do so on Twitter, it's #NHLoN.)

By The LightningShout team: W.B. Philp, Editor in Chief; Alexis Boucher, Managing Editor; and Jason Haas, Writer

Canada: Martin St. Louis



Martin St. Louis has been the unquestioned leader of the Tampa Bay franchise during his 12 years with them. Many would expect the Bolts Canadian representative to be Vincent Lecavalier, but while Vinny was a prolific goal scorer (many a direct result of St. Louis passes), St. Louis was and is the “Heart and Soul” of the Lightning.

The six-time NHL All-Star is the Lightning career leader in assists (556), points (892), +/- (+19) and shorthanded goals (28). He is second all-time in games played (910), goals (336), even strength goals (221), power play goals (87), game winning goals (59) and shots (2449). St, Louis will be the career leader in ten offensive categories within the next two seasons, passing Lecavalier in six of those rankings.

Marty has a trophy case full of NHL honors and this is what separates him from Vincent Lecavalier. He has won two Art Ross Trophies, the Hart Memorial Trophy, three Lady Byng Memorial Trophies, the Ted Lindsay Award and of course, the Stanley Cup. Not bad for an un-drafted free agent who is too small to play in the NHL. – W.B. Philp

Finland: Sean Bergenheim



Finns are criminally underrepresented over Tampa’s 20 year history. They are so underrepresented that the top three Finnish players only spent one season with the Bolts. Taking that small sample size into account, the Lightning’s all time best from Finland is Sean Bergenheim.

In the 2010-11 season, Bergenheim recorded 14 goals and 15 assists. He bolstered an offense that was littered with injuries to star players. While those numbers may not be too sexy, the playoffs are where he made a name for himself.

In 16 playoff games, he scored nine goals and registered 11 points. Three of those goals propelled the Lightning to a series victory over Pittsburgh after trailing 3-1. A two goal performance in game four of the conference semi final cemented a sweep of the Capitals. From there Tampa went on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2004 where Bergenheim saw continued success. Not bad for his first time in the NHL playoffs.

Though his time with the team was brief, Bergenheim definitely earned a spot in Lightning lore. Sorry, Janne Niskala. – Alexis Boucher

USA: Ryan Malone



When it comes to the US of A, Tampa’s best and brightest is left wing Ryan Malone. “Bugsy” may not have enjoyed the same success as he did in Pittsburgh, but he has been a steady contributor on the ice when healthy. Through 285 games, the big forward has 87 goals and 186 points. A leader in the locker room and a great teammate, he has definitely made an impact with the club. He was also part of the USA team that won silver at the Vancouver Games.

A fan favorite, particularly among the ladies, Malone has been compared to a young Reg Dunlop. Not too far off base given his penchant for plaid suits. Another hallmark of his time in Tampa was his epic bromance with goalie Mike Smith. Although he may be shopped heavily this off season, Malone is well ahead of nearly every other American who has worn a Lightning sweater.

With talent like Tyler Johnson on the horizon, that could very well change. – Alexis Boucher

Sweden: Fredrik Modin



Tampa’s best Swedish player is also one of their most underrated players of all time. Left wing Fredrik Modin played for the Lightning from 1999-2006. He compiled 116 goals and 229 points in 363 games. The big Swede is fifth overall in franchise history in goals scored. Impressive numbers that never seemed to garner the same recognition that some of Modin’s teammates received. An easy mistake when your linemates were Brad Richards and Marty St. Louis. An integral part of the 2004 Stanley Cup championship team, Freddie had eight goals and 19 points during that playoff run.

Story continues