31 Teams in 31 Days - Tampa Bay Lightning

Believe it or not, the Lightning have not drafted an OHL player the last two years. Crazy to believe after the team went so heavy on OHL players previously.

1. Alexey Lipanov - Kitchener Rangers
Another disappointing season for Lipanov, a player who really failed to live up to expectations in the OHL. After an offseason deal to Kitchener, it was thought that perhaps Lipanov could get his game back on track (after struggling in Sudbury to close out 2018). But his production actually decreased, posting worse offensive output than the year before. Now, part of that comes from the fact that Lipanov's ice time in Kitchener did fluctuate. From first line to fourth line. From wing to center. He was sort of the universal tool for Kitchener. Lipanov is a hard worker. He's hard on loose pucks. He works the wall well. He backchecks well and has a good head for the game in the defensive end. But offensively, there isn't a ton there. His skating would still be best classified as "average." He lacks the explosiveness to be big time factor in transition or leading play across the blueline. And his shot, puck skill, and vision in the offensive end all failed to progress in his time in the OHL. Quite frankly, if he had not received a contract from Tampa in 2017 after being drafted, I doubt he would have received one after his two years in the OHL. That's the risk you run when you sign players so early. As he steps forward into the pro game next year, Lipanov may need to spend some time in the ECHL, as he did to close out last year. If he is in the AHL, I would expect him to be on the 4th line or killing penalties. At this point, I would classify him as a long shot to have an NHL career.