Corey Pronman details what to expect from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s new prospects and how they fit into the farm system.
2024 Draft Grade: D
The Mikhail Sergachev trade isn’t reflected in the grade, as this is purely about talent drafted this weekend. As an aside, I do like the prospect they acquired in Conor Geekie. Geekie ended his WHL career on a high note, being one of the top forwards in the league and was a top player for Canada’s U20 team. He’s always been a big center with very good offensive skills, but what I’ve liked about Geekie’s progression is that he’s developed more of a physical edge. He uses his big body to get to the net and has shown a lot of off-puck value. His skating has been and remains a concern and despite his offensive output this year, I don’t see a true elite stick and brain in his game. He projects as a two-way third-line center in the NHL with a chance to be a 2C. Tampa otherwise didn’t pick until 118, so it’s hard to get excited about that type of draft class even if they did have a number of later picks. Hagen Burrows would be my favorite from that group. I could see him becoming a bottom-six forward in the NHL.
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Draft Class
118. Jan Golicic, LHD, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
June 30, 2006 | 6′ 6″ | 198 pounds
Analysis: Golicic is a large defenseman who sees the ice well and played well as a rookie QMJHL player. He has some intrigue due to his decent offensive touch for a big man and his ability to make some stops. His skating, however, is quite rough. Have I seen worse skating among big players? Yes. But his stride is rigid and upright and will be an issue translating to pro hockey.
128. Hagen Burrows, C, Minnetonka High (USHS-MN)
October 13, 2005 | 6′ 2″ | 176 pounds
Tier: Has a chance to play games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Burrows was a big part of an excellent Minnetonka team in Minnesota high school. He was also quite good in the USHL to start the season prior to leaving for school. Burrows is a good-sized winger with legit skill and offensive instincts. He makes a lot of difficult dekes and passes with the puck inside the offensive zone. He can create off the perimeter and has a decent interior game as well. Burrows’ main issue comes down to his footspeed. He lacks separation speed for the pro game, but there are enough wow-caliber passes in his game with his frame to make me think he has a shot to be a useful depth player for an NHL team.
149. Joona Saarelainen, C, KalPa U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
April 4, 2006 | 5′ 9″ | 176 pounds
Analysis: Saarelainen is a very good skating forward with a strong individual skill level. At the junior level he’s shown he can be a play driver with how well he creates offense at fast tempos. He competes well enough and seems to be around the play a lot. He has offensive talent, but for a 5-9 forward, it isn’t standout talent, and I have some doubts about whether it’s going to translate to the point where he’ll be the outlier small forward who makes it.
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181. Kaden Pitre, C, Flint Firebirds (OHL)
February 8, 2006 | 5′ 11″ | 168 pounds
Analysis: Pitre is the younger brother of Ducks third-round pick Coulson Pitre. Kaden is a strong skater with some skill and perimeter playmaking ability. For a smaller forward, though, I would not call his offensive play as dynamic as you’d ideally like.
195. Joe Connor, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
March 31, 2005 | 5′ 10″ | 174 pounds
Analysis: Connor is a skilled forward who can create chances at the junior level. His skating is solid but not amazing for a smaller player.
199. Noah Steen, LW, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
August 16, 2004 | 6′ 1″ | 192 pounds
Analysis: Steen had a productive season for Mora in the Allsvenskan as a third-year draft eligible. Steen has a chance to make it at the highest levels because he’s a decent-sized winger who skates well and competes hard. The level of pure offense and sense in his game isn’t overly impressive, though.
206. Harrison Meneghin, G, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
September 13, 2004 | 6′ 3″ | 170 pounds
(Photo: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
