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Comparing the Lightning Core to Ottawa’s Prospects

By Jack Baines

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 28: The Tampa Bay Lightning pose for their team photo with the Stanley Cup following the series-winning victory over the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 28, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - SEPTEMBER 28: The Tampa Bay Lightning pose for their team photo with the Stanley Cup following the series-winning victory over the Dallas Stars in Game Six of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on September 28, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Steven Stamkos

Acquired: Drafted 1st overall in 2008

After winning the franchise’s first Stanley Cup in 2004, Tampa began a steady decline from the top of the league. Finishing in last place with 71 points in 2008 was the team’s low point, but they were rewarded with the first overall pick. They used that pick on Steven Stamkos, who would quickly become one of the league’s top goal scorers, even tallying a remarkable 60 in 2011-12. Stamkos was eventually named captain and has been the face of the franchise during the past decade and finally led the team to their second Stanley Cup this season.

Comparable: Brady Tkachuk, Drafted 4th overall in 2018

This comparison has less to do with style of play and more with their impact on the team and franchise. While Tkachuk and Stamkos did score 22 and 23 goals in their respective rookie seasons, Tkachuk’s 21 this past year falls just a bit short of Stamkos’ 51 in his sophomore year. But Tkachuk came to the franchise at arguably their lowest point, just a year removed from a Conference Finals appearance but facing an impending rebuild without one of their first-round picks. While the decision to take Tkachuk was controversial, he quickly endeared himself to Ottawa fans and is a leading candidate to become the team’s next captain, whenever they choose to name one.

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