Lightning select Mitchell Stephens with 33rd overall pick

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have selected Saginaw Spirit forward Mitchell Stephens with the 33rd overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

2014-15 Stats

Overview

Stephens projects to be a prototypical third-line center in the NHL. He won't wow with his offensive capabilities, as evidenced by his 48-point draft season, but will find the means to contribute.

He's a great skater, tireless worker, and has oozed character, work ethic, and leadership at every stage of his development. He will likely be called on to match up against the opposition's best player, and kill penalties at the next level.

Related: Mitchell Stephens, an unlikely underdog.

Stephens was a member of Canada's Ivan Hlinka tournament-winning team in August before wearing the captain's letter - and supplying perhaps his best hockey of the calendar year - at the U18 World Championships in April.

What the scouts are saying

TSN's Craig Button, who had Stephens at 45th in his final rankings, believes he will find a way to contribute in the NHL.

Stephens is a very good skater who uses his speed to create advantages for his team and he does it in multiple situations. He can break free for offensive chances. He can create offensive chances on the forecheck and is highly disruptive. He's a very good penalty killer and sacrifices at every turn. A player who looks to be very comfortable finding a way to contribute in all of the game's critical areas.

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