Our First Real Look at Conor Geekie: Lightning’s Promising Prospect
Since the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Conor Geekie in the blockbuster trade with Utah in exchange for Mikhail Sergachev, the young center has quickly risen to become one of the organization’s top prospects. Geekie, drafted 11th overall in 2022, has garnered attention due to his unique combination of size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and offensive talent. Last season, he posted an impressive 99 points (43 goals, 56 assists) over 55 games in the WHL, solidifying his place as a future NHL player.
The Lightning organization sees Geekie as a potential top-six forward, and his path to proving himself starts with the upcoming Rookie Showcase. He is expected to see significant ice time, where Lightning management will assess his readiness for the NHL. His performance in development camp demonstrated his offensive abilities, but the key to making Tampa Bay’s roster this season will be his ability to show defensive responsibility and adaptability at the pro level.
While Geekie will likely begin the season in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch, his goal remains clear: to make the NHL roster as soon as possible. General Manager Julien BriseBois has high expectations for him, labeling Geekie a “future building block” for the franchise. With his size, vision, and scoring touch, Geekie has all the tools to make an impact in the near future, especially as he continues to grow his game in both offensive and defensive zones.
Emil Lilleberg: The Next Step in His Development
Another player to watch closely in the Rookie Showcase is Emil Lilleberg, who made his NHL debut last season with the Lightning and became a regular on defense. While Lilleberg was initially an unknown after coming from Norway’s professional league, he played 37 regular-season games with the Lightning, averaging over 17 minutes in the playoffs.
Lilleberg’s strengths lie in his physicality and defensive presence, but he faced challenges, particularly in handling pressure when in possession of the puck. Despite these growing pains, the Lightning’s decision to trade Sergachev signaled their confidence in Lilleberg’s future. He’s now expected to lock down a third-pairing role and continue his development as a reliable NHL defenseman.
Looking for the Next Hidden Gem
The Lightning have a strong track record of turning lesser-known prospects into NHL contributors, and Niko Huuhtanen could be the next hidden gem. Drafted last overall in 2021, Huuhtanen has since played in Finland’s top professional league and was named Rookie of the Year. Known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability, the 21-year-old winger could push for a roster spot with a strong performance at the showcase.
The Lightning’s ability to develop talent has been crucial to their success, and Geekie, Lilleberg, and Huuhtanen represent the next wave of potential impact players for the organization. Fans will have a close eye on these prospects as they look to carve out roles with the team
Conclusion
This year’s Lightning prospect camp and rookie showcase promise to be exciting events, with top prospects like Conor Geekie, Emil Lilleberg, and Niko Huuhtanen showcasing their skills.
FAQs
Who are the top players to watch at the Lightning prospect camp?
Conor Geekie, Emil Lilleberg, and Niko Huuhtanen are three top prospects to keep an eye on.
Where can I watch the rookie showcase?
The showcase will be streamed on TampaBayLightning.com.
