The NHL seems to love offensive superstars, and when it looks like one is going to be coming in an upcoming draft, well, the front office just gets plain ol' giddy.
Well, Steven Stamkos is coming this year. That means the NHL is going to need some medicine to keep themselves from killing each other out of giddiness.
Stamkos is the next best thing to come to the NHL since Sidney Crosby. Come June, he will be the possession of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who hold the first overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Stamkos, who has been ranked No. 1 in the International Scouting Ranking since December 2006, is one of the hottest players to hit the market in recent memory. He was born on February 7, 1990 in Unionville, Ontario, and had skates on his feet by the time he was two years old.
He is 5'11" and 176 pounds, shoots right, and is a center. The only time he has not been ranked No. 1 by the International Scouting Ranking was in November 2006, when he was ranked No. 2. He was taken first overall by the Sarnia Sting in the 2006 OHL Entry Draft.
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The year before, he had 109 goals and 99 assists for 208 points in just 72 games in the OMHA.
During his career with the Sarnia Sting, he has had 100 goals, 97 assists, and 197 points in 124 games over two seasons. He also played for Team Canada at the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championships, scoring three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 13 games.
Stamkos is the complete player, with comparisons being made to Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman. He has unbelievable speed and great movement. He has a huge wrist shot with a quick release, similar to Jeff Carter and Marian Hossa.
Stamkos is not a physical player, but doesn't shy away from going into the corners when needed. He is often the first forward back in the defensive zone on any given play, because of both his high speed and his defensive mind.
Stamkos is considered by many scouts to be a better prospect than John Tavares based on his ability to play a better overall game. He shows no weakness, and he has the great ability to make everyone around him better.
By searching "Steven Stamkos—Ridiculous Goal" on Youtube, you can see the kind of skill he has when he pulled off a behind-the-back play on a breakaway in the OHL skills competition.
Stamkos will be an unbelievable player for years to come, and the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning are eagerly waiting his arrival at training camp.
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