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Lightning AHL and ECHL prospect report
Written by: Timothy Bennett on 01/30/2004 
The recent trade of Alexander Svitov for veteran defenseman Darryl Sydor was good news to the Lightning blueline, but it was bad news to the Bolts in terms having a top line center prospect in the system. However, Bolt prospect Martin Cibak should be breathing a sigh of relief, as the trade of Svitov reveals that his hard work has essentially earned him a lock for the fourth line center position in Tampa. Cibak's play along with the AHL All-Star performance this season by free agent signee Eric Perrin, and the emergence of Ryan Craig and Jean-François Soucy as legitimate future NHL prospects, the Bolts regarded Svitov as one of the few blue-chip assets the organization could afford to part with in order to obtain a Top 4 NHL defenseman needed to make a run at the 2004 Stanley Cup. This report will cover all the Bolt prospects playing in North America with a pro contract, providing a statistical update up to and including January 25, 2004.
Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
| W Dmitry Afanasenkov | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 41 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 25 | (-20) |
| 2003-2004 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 39 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 4 | (-1) |
Stock: Rising
Since Last Report: 28gp, 3G-3A-3P, 4 PIMs, -4
Ranking: 4
It's very surprising that Dmitry Afanasenkov has played over 40 games for the Lightning by the All-Star break, grinding it out strong on the boards on a lower line, outworking opponents in the corners, filling in on a scoring line, and playing in all game situations. He continues to prove those who had given up on him a year ago completely wrong. Ranked outside of HF's Top 20 Bolt prospects just last summer, this 1998 third rounder has reemerged as a Top 5 prospect. Afanasenkov's strength on the puck and the boards continues to create opportunities in the offensive zone. He has an explosive first step, and combined with agile moves with the puck, has embarrassed more than few hapless defensemen. Afanasenkov possesses natural goal-scoring talent that seems to have been snake-bitten for the better part of the season. At times Afanasenkov resembles Martin St. Louis about three seasons ago, including his energy, work ethic, offensive creativity and even the part about struggling to put the puck in the net. If he follows the lead of St. Louis, then Afanasenkov could become a fixture on a second scoring line in Tampa.
| C Martin Cibak | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 62 | 5 | 15 | 20 | 78 | (-6) |
| 2002-2003 Springfield(Playoffs) | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | (-1) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | (-1) |
| 2003-2004 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 31 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 16 | (+1) |
Stock: Rising
Slightly
Since Last Report (AHL): 1gp, 0G-0A-0P, 2 PIMs,
-1
Since Last Report (TBL): 21gp, 0G-3A-3P, 4 PIMs, -2
Ranking: 9
Hailed by the organization for his hard work, Martin Cibak has been the Lightning's choice for the better part of the season to center the team's fourth line. Paired with tough guy Chris Dingman and ex-Detroit Viper linemate Dmitry Afanasenkov, this line has the mandate from the coaches to provide an energy injection by working hard, controlling the puck, hemming in the opposition, and creating scoring opportunities. Battling and working hard every shift keeps Cibak off the scratch list and keeps him in Tampa. And this former 1998 ninth round pick has been doing that quite well as of late. In fact, Cibak's hard work and strong play for the better part of the season has so impressed the coaching staff that Svitov was hard pressed to get into the lineup, and was effectively rendered an expendable commodity to the organization.
Hershey Bears (AHL)
| W Nikita Alexeev | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 36 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 8 | (-10) |
| 2002-2003 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 37 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 8 | (-6) |
| 2002-2003 Tampa Bay (Playoffs) | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | (-3) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | E |
Stock: Injured
Since
Last Report: 0gp, 0G-0A-0P, 0 PIMs, NA
Ranking: Graduated
Nikita Alexeev had shoulder surgery in November to repair his left shoulder injured during a fall while taking a faceoff. Alexeev's rehab is proceeding according to schedule, but the Lightning say there is no time table right now for his return. The organization appears to be taking the situation slowly in order to see how things progress. Considering the forward depth that Bolts currently have in Hershey and Hamilton, there is absolutely no need to rush this former 2000 first round pick into action prematurely.
| C Ryan Craig | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Brandon (WHL) | 60 | 42 | 32 | 74 | 69 | NA |
| 2002-2003 Brandon (Playoffs) | 17 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 29 | NA |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 5 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 0 | (+4) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 42 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 12 | (-2) |
Stock: Rising
Since Last Report (AHL):
34gp, 0G-6A-6P, 6 PIMs, Even
Ranking: 11
In the last report, Ryan Craig had only played eight games with Hershey after a early season recall from the ECHL. While initial reactions at the time from the Hershey coaching staff were very positive regarding Craig's play, it remained to be seen whether his tenure with the Bears would be a permanent or temporary affair. Bears coach Paul Fixter cited that Craig was a player that definitely belonged in the AHL, but it was obvious earlier in the season that he had opportunity to play given the rash of injuries experience by the Colorado Avalanche both on their NHL roster and among their prospects in Hershey. The question was if there would be room from Craig on the roster as the Avalanche organization became healthier. Thirty-four games later without a scratch to show, this former Brandon Wheat Kings captain continues to show the heart and soul that is enabling him find a way to play a level a little higher than perhaps his current skill and development would seem to dictate. While not very prolific offensively for the Bears, he continues to exhibit great team skills and a commitment to defense. While other Bear notables have seen their plus/minus ratings take a nosedive during a rough December skid, Craig's play has proved steady and predicable. The Lightning organization believes that this former 2002 eighth round pick will someday play in the NHL because his determination and persistence finds a way. Look for this natural leader to wear a letter next season if Tampa secures its own AHL affiliate.
| W Sheldon Keefe | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 33 | 16 | 15 | 31 | 28 | (+6) |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (Playoffs) | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | (-4) |
| 2002-2003 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 37 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 24 | (-1) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 43 | 10 | 13 | 23 | 40 | (-5) |
Stock: Steady
Since
Last Report: 33gp, 9G-9A-18P, 38 PIMs, -5
Ranking: Graduated
After a slow offensive start on the season after being reacquired by the Bolts from the New York Ranger organization, Sheldon Keefe began finding the back of the net in a fashion indicative of the play that earned this 1999 second round pick the OHL scoring crown, including a hat trick on November 22 that sparked a four-goal third period rally against Lowell. Cited by Hershey coach Paul Fixter as the hardest working Bear, Keefe continues to play each shift with 110 percent effort which earns him and his linemates scoring opportunity after opportunity, as noted by ranking second on the team in shots on goal. Ranked fifth on the Bears team in assists and points, and ranked fourth in goals, Keefe remains an important offensive cog in Hershey's successful season to date, while waiting for another chance to prove he can make a difference at the NHL level.
| C Jean-François Soucy | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Montreal (QMJHL) | 64 | 24 | 31 | 55 | 168 | |
| 2002-2003 Montreal (Playoffs) | 7 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 24 | |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 32 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 96 | (-4) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12 | (+1) |
Stock: Rising Slightly
Since Last Report (ECHL):
21gp, 5G-5A-10P, 51 PIMs, -5
Since Last Report (AHL): 8gp, 0G-2A-2P, 12 PIMs, +1
Ranking: 13
At the time of his beginning of January recall to the Hershey Bears, this Quebeçois agitator was leading all ECHL rookies in penalty minutes, and it seems that Soucy is bringing that same game north to Chocolatetown. Early reports out of Hershey indicate that Soucy isn't winning any popularity contests among his new AHL opponents, either. His play thus far for the Bears have been very solid in both ends, and while not a offensive threat every time he is on the ice, he certainly makes his presence known by poking his nose into every possible scrum. Like Craig earlier in the season, Soucy's recall to the Bears was initially due to continued injuries within the Colorado Avalanche organization. And like Craig, speculation surrounded whether Soucy would stick permanently on the Bear's roster. However, concurrent with Soucy's recall, fellow Bolt prospect Evgeni Artukhin became a regular healthy scratch and has ultimately resulted in an assignment to Pensacola. With Artukhin's demotion, it seems Soucy has secured that AHL roster spot for now.
As far as the Lightning organization is concerned, Soucy is doing exactly what Feaster wants him to do. He needs to continue to develop his defensive game and also look to contribute offensively. A much like player within the organization, the Bolts are very pleased that he is a player other teams hate playing against.
Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)
| W Jimmie Ölvestad | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | (-4) |
| 2002-2003 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 37 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 16 | (-2) |
| 2003-2004 Hamilton (AHL) | 44 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 28 | (-1) |
Stock: Steady
Since
Last Report: 30gp, 5G-4A-9P, 20 PIMs, +1
Ranking: Graduated
This 1999 third round selection is quietly putting together a mirror image of the 2000-2001 SEL season for Djurgardens in which this Swedish speedster notched seven goals and eight assists in fifty regular season games enroute to signing his first pro contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. A fixture on the Bulldogs penalty kill unit, Jimmie Ölvestad is a shorthanded threat, as he shares the team lead with Canadiens prospects Jozef Belaj and Tomas Plekanec for goals scored shorthanded. Continuing his role as a fierce third-line forechecker, Ölvestad's play remains steady awaiting an opportunity to rejoin a Tampa club that has enjoyed an almost supernatural injury-free run on the NHL roster.
| W Eero Somervuori | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Hameenlinna (FNL) | 56 | 21 | 24 | 45 | 42 | NA |
| 2003-2004 Hamilton (AHL) | 45 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 8 | (+6) |
Stock: Steady
Since
Last Report: 29gp, 5G-3A-8P, 6 PIMs, +4
Ranking: Graduated
After all the preseason hype regarding the long-awaited North American debut of this 1997 seventh round selection, which included Calder Trophy prognostications and predictions of playing alongside Vincent Lecavalier, offensive numbers that look like they were lifted out of Jimmie Ölvestad's career stat sheet couldn't be what Lightning GM Jay Feaster was thinking we he signed him to a one year contract last summer. But, Eero Somervuori has two obstacles he's faced this season as a North American rookie. The first is common obstacle shared by many prolific European stars and that is the adjustment to the North American game. A quick look at this season's statistics of this potent Hameenlinna linemates Tommi Santala (Atlanta Thrashers/Chicago Wolves) and Anti Miettinen (Dallas Stars/Utah Grizzlies) paints a similar picture. Somervuori's other obstacle is the Lightning's dysfunctional minor league system, in which he finds himself one of two or three Bolts players on a team heavy with Montreal Canadien prospects in Hamilton. Doug Jarvis has a plethora of blue-chip forwards (and defensemen) with which to fill out a pair of scoring lines. Somervuori finds himself waiting his turn, as he learns the North American game.
In all actuality, his situation with Hamilton may be a blessing in disguise. Somervuori is certainly getting the opportunity to round out his game, and is being used by Jarvis in all kinds of defensive situations, including the penalty kill, checking lines, and in the last minute of a one goal game. Under Lightning coach John Tortorella's offensive-minded system, every player is held to a high standard of defensive responsibility. The lesson learned by Somervuori this season may very well go a long way in preparing him for the future in the Bolts organization.
Does Eero's one year contract coupled with a disappointing offensive season result in the shorten Somervuori experiment for the Bolts? Absolutely not. Somervuori remains in the Lightning future. Would the Bolts like to see him score more? Absolutely. Are they pleased with his progress to date? Yes, and the organization believes that his progress will continue.
Utah Grizzlies (AHL)
| D Gerard Dicaire | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Kootenay (WHL) | 72 | 15 | 44 | 59 | 79 | (+2) |
| 2002-2003 Kootenay (Playoffs) | 11 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 12 | (-5) |
| 2003-2004 Utah (AHL) | 29 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 14 | (-11) |
Stock: Rising
Since
Last Report: 22gp, 0G-1A-2P, 12 PIMs, -7
Ranking: 6
If there is one player in the organization whose statistics paint a false story, it is those of Gerard Dicaire, a former second round pick in 2000 by the Buffalo Sabres. After arguably one of the best training camps of any Bolt prospect in the organization in which Dicaire nearly won a roster spot in Tampa, the Bolts have subsequently done him no favors with regard to his development. With no room for him on Tampa's two partial affiliations in Hershey and Hamilton, GM Jay Feaster found a spot for him in Utah as a loaner. As the only Tampa guy in Salt Lake City, Dicaire has exhibited great mental toughness. Battling for playing time as the odd man out has not been easy, but as the season has progressed, Dicaire has established himself as a fixture on the regular defensive rotation and is seeing ample time on the power play. Dicaire's coolness under pressure, excellent puck moving and passing skills, and offensive instincts are sure to land him on the Tampa roster in the near future. There is no player in the organization that has suffered more at the hands of Tampa's dysfunctional AHL affiliation situation than Dicaire, and this situation has slowed his progress rather than accelerated it. But Tampa fans should rest easy knowing that despite Dicaire's disappointing season, he is still a very important part of Tampa's future, and that the Lightning brass have sent every organizational ambassador to Salt Lake to assure him of this situation.
Work hard, Gerard. This too shall pass.
Pensacola Ice Pilots (ECHL)
| W Evgeni Artukhin | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Moncton (QMJHL) | 53 | 13 | 27 | 40 | 204 | (+6) |
| 2002-2003 Moncton (Playoffs) | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 29 | (-6) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 26 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 59 | (-1) |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | E |
Stock: Falling Slightly
Since
Last Report (AHL): 18gp, 1G-1A-2P, 42 PIMs, -3
Since
Last Report (ECHL): 2gp, 0G-0A-0P, 2 PIMs, Even
Ranking:
7
At the time of the writing of this report, the Tampa organization and fans are collectively breathing a sigh of relief because Artukhin reported to his ECHL assignment in Pensacola. In the recent months, Artukhin had been receiving quite a bit of external pressure to forego his developmental assignment in the AHL for a more attractive role in the Russian professional leagues. As such, there was some concern that a demotion to the ECHL might trigger a defection back to Russia for this mammoth 2001 third round selection. At the request of GM Jay Feaster, both Bill Barber and Jake Goertzen went to Hershey and met with Artukhin in order to assure him that a reassignment to Hershey was in his best interest and that the organization believes he'll play for a long time in Tampa. But right now, he needs to break some bad habits and get him some playing time.
In Hershey, Artukhin was having a hard time staying in the lineup despite an injury-depleted Bears roster. When he did play, there were too many invisible shifts, defensive-zone coverage breakdowns and an overall inability to produce offensively. He needs to learn to read the game better and be smarter both with and without the puck. He needs to learn, as Bill Barber has said, to "skate his lanes." Up and down his wing, not drifting from one side of the ice to the other blindly chasing the puck. The problem with his situation in Hershey was that he continued to make the same mistakes the coaching staff had tried to change.
He is a monster of a young man, and still developing and growing physically. When he hits you he hurts you, and the Lightning absolutely love combination of size, skill, and skating that Artukhin brings. The sole issue with Artukhin is that the organization wants him playing. In Hershey, he was the odd man out with the recent arrival and solid play from Soucy. In Pensacola, he should loads of opportunity to play given their lack of skaters and general overall toughness. Ice Pilots head coach Todd Gordon intends to give Artukhin ample power play time, and so the organization expects him to rebuild his confidence and his game, just as Pensacola has provided that service to Andreas Holmqvist, another struggling Bolt prospect.
| G Brian Eklund | W-L-T | GAA | Sv% | SO |
| 2002-2003 Pensacola (ECHL) | 10-6-0 | 3.66 | 0.896 | 0 |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 1-0-0 | 1.00 | 0.974 | 0 |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 19-11-4 | 3.06 | 0.920 | 0 |
Stock: Rising
Slightly
Since
Last Report: 13-8-4, 3.06GAA, 0.924SV%, 0 SO
Ranking: 14
The Lightning are very excited about the progress of Brian Eklund so far this year, as he met Tampa's goal of him winning the starting job in Pensacola hands down. Eklund leads the ECHL in saves, ranks second in minutes played, and third in wins. He was named the ECHL's Saver of the Week for the week of November 24, 2003 by finished the week with a record of 3-0, a 1.96 goals against average, and .953 save percentage. Eklund made 30 saves in a 4-3 win against Mississippi, made 50 saves and stopped all six shooters in a 2-1 shootout win vs. Louisiana, and made 44 saves in a 3-2 win vs. Mississippi. He followed up the next week by be named the ECHL's runner-up Saver of the Week. A recent poll on the Ice Pilot web site had fans voting Eklund as the team's MVP so far this season.
While accolades flow for Tampa's 2000 seventh round pick as he flourishes under the guidance of Bolt goalie coach Jeff Reese, Eklund's workload in Pensacola is a concern. Seeing action in 34 of Pensacola's 40 games so far this season, Eklund's recent performance may be an indication that this former Brown University netminder is beginning to wear thin with practically being the Ice Pilots only goaltender. It would seem that if Ice Pilot head coach Todd Gordon won't play Bolt prospect Evgeny Konstantinov, then Jay Feaster needs to make some sort of move to ensure Eklund can get some relief before fatigue ushers in some sort of injury.
In terms of next season, the Lightning anticipate the acquisition of a veteran netminder who can be a legitimate third goalie for the Bolts while sharing AHL duty with Eklund. Whether that veteran netminder turns out to be the Lightning's over-aged 2002 seventh rounder Fredrik Norrena remains to be seen.
| D Andreas Holmqvist | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Linkopings (SEL) | 43 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 28 | NA |
| 2003-2004 Hamilton (AHL) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (+1) |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 31 | 3 | 15 | 18 | 8 | (+2) |
Stock: Falling Slightly
Since
Last Report (ECHL): 29gp, 3G-15A-18P, 6PIMs, +3
Ranking:
3
Holmqvist seems to be regaining his confidence and rediscovering his game that made him the Bolt's premier blueline prospect. After a shaky debut on North American ice in the AHL, Holmqvist has once again been exhibiting those skills as a offensive-minded, puck moving defensemen that lead to his first NHL pro contract last summer. Holmqvist has been very solid at both ends of the ice for Pensacola this season. Half of his points have come on the power play, which is one of the major reasons that Tampa made this Swedish league standout their 2001 second round selection. If Holmqvist continues this level of play in Pensacola, it may not be a matter of if, but when, he gets a second shot in the AHL. Only Tampa's challenged AHL affiliate situation would prevent this.
| G Evgeny Konstantinov | W-L-T | GAA | Sv% | SO |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 13-23-1 | 3.24 | 0.889 | 1 |
| 2002-2003 Tampa Bay (NHL) | 0-0-0 | 3.00 | 0.833 | 0 |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 1-4-1 | 4.23 | 0.873 | 0 |
Stock: Falling
Since
Last Report: 1-2-0, 3.69GAA, 0.888SV%, 0 SO
Ranking: Not Ranked
To say that the Lightning organization are disappointed with the development of Konstantinov would be an understatement. After only seeing action in seven games for the Ice Pilots as the midpoint of the season approaches in a contract year, it appears that Konstantinov's future as a Lightning prospect are fading. All this from a goalie who play over 2,100 minutes for the Springfield Falcons in the AHL last season.
| D Jeremy Van Hoof | GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
| 2002-2003 Pensacola (ECHL) | 66 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 51 | (+17) |
| 2002-2003 Pensacola (Playoffs) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | E |
| 2002-2003 Springfield (AHL) | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | (-1) |
| 2003-2004 Hershey (AHL) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | (+1) |
| 2003-2004 Pensacola (ECHL) | 37 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 18 | (-5) |
Stock: Steady
Since
Last Report (ECHL): 26gp, 0G-4A-4P, 6PIMs, -4
Ranking:
Not Ranked
About the only bright spot for Jeremy Van Hoof this season is that he was named the Ice Pilot's captain. The reality is that this former 1999 second round selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins he shouldn't be playing at the ECHL level this year. He's been there for three seasons and deserves a shot at the AHL. But there is no room for him with the partial affiliations in place. All things being equal, despite his disappointing season statistically, the Bolts intend to keep Van Hoof in their plans for next, and with a sole affiliation in place, see how he handles the step up.
Affiliation Progress
Securing a full-time AHL affiliation for the 2004-2005 season for the Tampa Bay Lightning remains the paramount objective for GM Jay Feaster. In an interview with Hockey's Future, Feaster refused to share specific details citing a need to maintain confidentiality, but did say, "I can tell you that we are working on three different scenarios at this time and are still planning to have our own affiliate in the AHL for the 2004-05 season. I work on this in one fashion or another almost daily and won't rest until we get it done."
Other notes
After spending a month and a half with Tampa Bay, Shane Willis was recently returned to the Hershey Bears by Tampa where he has scored 5 goals in 4 games. In 30 games played for the Bears, Willis has 15 goals, 12 assists for 27 points and a +10 rating.
Eric Perrin, former linemate of NHL All-Star Martin St. Louis at the University of Vermont, is the Hershey's one representative in upcoming AHL All-Star game. In 47 games played, Perrin has 17 goals 30 assists for 47 points and a +3 rating, while leading the Bears in almost every offensive statistical category. He has yet to be recalled to the virtually injury-free Tampa roster this season.
Copyright 2004 Hockey’s Future. Do not reprint or otherwise duplicate without permission of the editorial staff.
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