Key issues at Bolts' prospect camp

Lightning beat writer Erik Erlendsson looks at the key issues as the team begins a five-day prospect development camp today at the Forum:

Connolly's health

No player was more scrutinized than Brett Connolly heading into this year's draft after he missed all but 16 games last season with hip flexors. There was no question that Connolly has explosive offensive skills and would have been a certain top-five pick if not for the hip injuries. With that behind him, Connolly will be eager to get onto the ice and show he's healthy.

Tyrell's improvement

The speedy 2007 second-round pick was a dark horse to make the team out of camp last year, but after a poor exhibition season in his first year as a pro, Dana Tyrell headed to Norfolk. He struggled offensively for most of the first half, but after Jim Johnson became coach in January, Tyrell took off and became one of the Admirals' top scorers down the stretch. With his speed and aggressive forechecking style, he should be a strong candidate to make the roster under new Tampa Bay coach Boucher.

How deep is the system?

For years the Lightning's farm system has been near the bottom of league rankings, with few drafted players having an impact on the NHL roster for half a decade. But under the guidance of Jim Hammett and Darryl Plandowski the past two years, there is a belief that there is talent on the horizon with the likes of Richard Panik, Alex Hutchings, Mark Barberio and Carter Ashton to go with players such as Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. This week's camp could be an indicator of how much truth there is to that belief.

Goaltending questions

The net has been a black hole for the Lightning since Nikolai Khabibulin bolted following the lockout. There has been a revolving door there that has included John Grahame, Sean Burke, Marc Denis, Johan Holmqvist, Antero Niittymaki and current incumbent Mike Smith, who is expected to share duties with Dan Ellis this season. But the future looks bright with Dustin Tokarski and Jaroslav Janus coming off their first year of pro hockey. The two are expected to compete for playing time in Norfolk this season, and they might be doing the same with the big club in the near future.

Is Ashton ready?

Carter Ashton, Tampa Bay's second first-round pick in the 2009 draft, lasted further into training camp than many expected, and he signed his entry-level deal after he was sent back to juniors. Ashton, who was traded from Lethbridge to Regina in the WHL, went on to score his first professional goal with Norfolk after his juniors season was over. Now, is the 6-foot-2, 200-pound right wing ready to make the jump to the NHL?