The gaudy picks in any draft are nice, especially in this win-now world.
Steven Stamkos went first overall to the Lightning in 2008. Jonathan Drouin, 3rd overall in 2013.
But, as a results of the Lightning recent Stanley Cup Playoff runs, they are nowhere near the top in 2016. Their first of nine picks is 27th overall. The last time they selected in that spot was 2011 when they picked center Vladislav Namestnikov.
The Bolts were far from finished in 2011. They have a knack for sniffing out top talent late in the draft.
Nikita Kucherov led the Lightning this regular season in points (66). He led them in goals (11) and points (19) in the playoffs. They way he plays, he definitely went in the first round right?
Wrong.
58th overall actually in the second round.
He isn't the only late pick success story. So are his triplet linemates. Ondrej Palat waited for the 208th overall pick in 2011 to hear his name called. After debuting in 2013, the 7th rounder was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the Rookie of the Year. He's been fourth or higher on the team in regular season points ever since. His highest was that rookie year with 59 points, just two behind team leader Marty St. Louis.
The amateur scouts have found players that can contribute down the board and off the board complete. Sleeper pick Tyler Johnson went undrafted. The main reason was believed to be his small size. He put the doubters to rest with his big play.
He led the Lightning in points (23) and goals (13) during their run to the Stanley Cup Final against Chicago.
Key players don't just live in the first two or three picks or the first two or three rounds for that matter.
Tampa Bay is proof that Lightning can strike anywhere on draft night.