Tampa Bay Lightning: Top 10 prospects entering 2019 season

10. Carter Verhaeghe

Acquired: Trade with New York Islanders (2017)

Age: 23 (turns 24 in August)

Position: Center

Stats: 76 games, 34 goals, 48 assists, 82 points; 4 postseason games, 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points (Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

So how is the AHL’s leader in points this low on the list? It’s because Carter Verhaeghe has to be in the NHL this year. He’s no longer exempt from waivers. Whether it’s in Tampa or with another team (let’s be honest he is not getting through waivers), I expect Verhaeghe to get an extended look in the NHL.

He had a breakout season in 2018-19, finally delivering on his potential. After posting 48 points in 58 games in his first season with the Crunch, Verhaeghe became Syracuse’s most trusted forward.

How did he do it? By massively improving his skating. Verhaeghe has always had skill – he just never had the skating to use that skill. For me, Verhaeghe has the potential to be a fringe top-nine forward. His skating still isn’t great, but I think it’s good enough.

9. Dominik Masin

Acquired: 2014 second-round pick

Age: 23

Position: Defense

Stats: 69 games, 2 goals, 10 assists, 12 points; 4 postseason games, 0 points (Syracuse Crunch, AHL)

I thought Dominik Masin had turned the corner after an impressive 2017-18 season with the Crunch. But he took a step back last season, falling from 24 points to 12 points. The Lightning’s defense is in limbo after losing some pieces, so don’t be surprised if Masin gets a cup of coffee in the NHL this season.

He looks like a Lightning defenseman. Masin is big and he’s mobile. He’s also strong defensively. Masin got trusted in a shutdown role and did well in it.  His offensive upside, though, is quite limited. Still, I think Masin’s got the tools to be a third-pairing defenseman in the NHL.