Brodin’s D fits Tampa’s needs

TAMPA, Fla. – When Steve Yzerman began his tenure as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, he figured that it might be a couple of years before the Bolts made a serious run at the Stanley Cup. After all, he was brand new to the job as was his owner (Jeff Vinik) and head coach (Guy Boucher).
He turned out to be wrong as the Lightning made it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals where they bowed out to eventual Cup champion Boston Bruins. It took seven hard fought games for the Bruins to dispatch Tampa – including a climactic game even that ended 1-0 on Nathan Horton’s tally late in the third period. That performance has left Yzerman with the daunting task of making his first of five selections in the 2011 Entry Draft in the 27th spot, well below last year’s sixth overall pick.
Yzerman, known for his offensive skills when he played in Detroit, knew that he had a stacked deck with the likes of Marty St. Louis (99 points) and Steven Stamkos (91 points including 45 goals) up front. He didn’t count on captain Vinny Lecavalier (54 points) missing 17 games but the backup was there from guys like Teddy Purcell (51 points) and Simon Gagne (40 points in 63 games). In total, Tampa’s offense wasn’t bad, tying for seventh best in the NHL with 241 goals for an average of 2.94 per game.
Defensively, the team sputtered, tying for 21st with Carolina by giving up 240 goals. Considering that Vancouver was the best defensive team in the leauge, allowing just 180 goals, and that only five Eastern Conference foes (Toronto, Ottawa, Columbus, New York Islanders and the team formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers) gave up more goals per game, the goaltenders could have sued for non-support.
The netminding turned out to be a plus when Yzerman went out and got Dwayne Roloson from the Islanders. Roloson was a mere 18-12-4 with a 2.56 goals against average in 34 games with the Lightning and almost single-handedly brought the team to the Stanley Cup finals. His conference finals battle with Boston’s Tim Thomas – who won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP – was almost if not at times better than Thomas’ duel with Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo.
Given the fact that Tampa has a long list of restricted free agents, including Stamkos who Yzerman has put a priority on for resigning, and an equally long list of unrestricted free agents that includes both Roloson and backup netminder Mike Smith, figuring out a pick is difficult. There are so many different directions that he could go.
Lecavalier isn’t getting any younger and injuries are starting to get the better of him and his $7-plus million dollar salary cap hit. The best center prospect the Bolts have is considered to be Alex Killorn who is rated the fifth-best prospect in the system but he is still playing at Harvard and most think he will finish his four year career with the Crimson before going pro.
The depth chart at left wing is shallow with Mattias Ritola as the lone true winger behind St. Louis and Ryan Malone. Brett Connolly, last year’s first round pick and top-rated prospect, could be moved over leaving Carter Ashton (second-rated prospect) and Richard Panik (third-rated prospect) to fight for the fourth spot on the chart.
Goaltending could be a direction to go in but if Yzerman can get Roloson or Smith or both to resign, Dustin Tokarski and Cedrick Desjardins (who played fairly well in two appearances with the big club) could fill in. They also have Jaroslav Janus waiting in the wings.
The defense in front of the net might be the biggest issue of all. Beyond 2009 top selection Victor Hedman (who will be an RFA next season), Mattias Ohlund, Brett Clark and Pavel Kubina who is recovering from an injury, no one has stepped up. Even Vladimir Mihalik, Tampa’s first round draft pick in 2005 (and restricted free agent), is not part of the picture and expected to head to Europe.
So where does Stevie Y go? The Lightning need to sure up the defense and Swedish defenseman Jonas Brodin looks like a good fit for them. At 6’ 1” and 169 pounds, he could probably use a few pounds on him to play the corners in North America but that seems to be the only negative.
As a 17-year old, Brodin played for Farjestad in the Swedish Elite league last season. The left-handed defenseman had just four assists in 42 games but his blue line skills helped Farjestad win the team’s ninth championship. He was also part of Sweden’s Under-18 team that took home silver at this year’s World Championships, playing alongside good friend Oscar Klefbom.
The scouting report on Brodin says that he is very mature for his age, allowing him to be calm, cool and collected when the heat is on. He’s also has a solid hockey acumen, making him a perfect student. Of course, listing the Detroit Red Wings and future Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom as his favorite NHL team and player can only catch Yzerman’s eye in a good way.
If Oshawa Generals center Boone Jenner is available, Yzerman may just be tempted to go with the kid who could be his protégé but if he isn’t, you can expect that when either Vinik or Yzerman steps to the podium, you will hear:
“With the 27th pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning select from Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League, Jonas Brodin.”
To learn more about Jonas Brodin click here .
Contact the author at don.money@prohockeynews.com