The Tampa Bay Lightning select Slater Koekkoek with the 10th overall selection. 

Here’s the skinny on Koekkoek:

A prototypical two-way defenseman who can take control of the puck at both ends of the ice. The smooth skating Koekkoek was off to a great start before being sidelined by an injury for the rest of the season. He was Peterborough’s clear No. 1 defenseman before the injury, logging upwards of 30 minutes a night and running the powerplay and penalty kill as well. His very strong mobility and agility allow him to skate his way out of the zone without too much trouble. He is strong position-wise and angles players off the ice. He has good lateral movement and first step acceleration as well as the ability to skate the puck out of danger and generate offense on the rush. He has strong vision with the puck and makes very strong, accurate and crisp outlet passes. He displayed strong aggression and physicality down low and along the boards. He is a defenseman who can play any role given to him and excel. He has always been known as a puck-moving defenseman with strong vision, but he has really stepped up his game at his own end, playing the gaps well and having an active stick in passing lanes. His progression over the past few years has been impressive.

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Here’s what one of our scouts had to say:

“He is a true wildcard in this draft. His progression over the past few years has been impressive. I think that out of all the players that I have seen this year, he has the highest long-term upside.”