Fri Jun 20 19:28:05 2008

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Lightning take Stamkos with top pick in NHL draft

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Ottawa, ON (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning selected centerman Steven Stamkos with the first overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft Friday night at Scotiabank Place.

Stamkos was the top-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting and solidified his standing as the best available player in this year's draft with an excellent 2007-08 season. He led the Sarnia Sting with 105 points this year, notching 58 goals and 47 assists in 61 games.

The 18-year-old also upped his stock by posting one goal and five assists for gold-medal winning Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships.

The six-foot, 176-pound Stamkos is an excellent skater and strong passer with the offensive skills to develop into a franchise player. The Lightning are hoping the arrival of Stamkos will help ease the loss of pivot Brad Richards, Tampa's former second-line center who was dealt to Dallas at the most recent trade deadline.

The Lightning have the No. 1 overall selection for the third time in team history, and for the first time since taking centerman Vincent Lecavalier in 1998.