Lightning prospects try to make an impression on new boss

The new-look Tampa Bay Lightning won't hit the ice for another two months, but the future of the franchise will be on display for five days, offering fans the chance to get a glimpse of the team's top prospects.

The Lightning open a five-day prospect development camp today at the St. Pete Times Forum that finishes with a organized scrimmage Wednesday night. Top players such as Dana Tyrell and Ty Wishart, along with first-round picks Brett Connolly (No. 6 overall this year) and Carter Ashton (29th overall in 2009) will suit up to show the new Lightning brass what the future might look like.

While new head coach Guy Boucher will only be able to stick around for the first day, expect new general manager Steve Yzerman to have an ever-watchful eye throughout the camp as he begins to gauge what kind of shape the team's farm system is in heading into the season.

As camp gets set to open, here are five key things to look for from the five days:

BRETT CONNOLLY: No player was more scrutinized heading into this year's draft than Connolly, who missed all but 16 games with hip flexor injuries. There's no question Connolly has explosive offensive skills and would have been a sure-fire top five pick if not for the injuries. With that behind him, Connolly will be anxious to get onto the ice and show he's healthy.

DANA TYRELL: The speedy former second-round pick in 2007 was a darkhorse to make the team out of camp last year, but Tyrell headed to Norfolk after a poor exhibition season in his first year as a pro. He struggled offensively for most of the first half of the season. But after a head coaching change to Jim Johnson in January, Tyrell took off and showed his potential by becoming 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.

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

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

ASHTON'S READINESS: Tampa Bay's second first-round pick in the 2009 draft lasted longer into training camp last year than many expected before signing his entry-level deal after he was sent back to junior. Ashton, who was traded from Lethbridge to Regina in the WHL, later went on to score his first professional goal with Norfolk after his junior season was over. Now the question is, is the 6-foot-2, 200-pound right wing ready to make the jump to the NHL?

DAILY SCHEDULE

Saturday

Morning On-Ice Session

8:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Goalies

9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Group I

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Group II

Evening On-Ice Session

4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. Goalies

5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Group I

6:40 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. Group II

Sunday

Morning On-Ice Session

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Group II

10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. Group I

Evening On-Ice Session

4:30 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. Group II Goalies

4:50 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. Group II

6:45 p.m. - 7:05 p.m. Group I Goalies

7:05 p.m. - 8:05 p.m. Group I

Monday

Morning On-Ice Session

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Group I

10:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. Group II

Sponsor & Season Ticket Holder Luncheon

11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Community Service

3 p.m. Metropolitan Ministries (½ group)

3 p.m. St. Joseph's Children's Hospital (½ group)

Tuesday

Afternoon On-Ice Session

2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Goalies

2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. All players practice

3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Scrimmage all players

Wednesday

Morning On-Ice Session

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Group II

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Group I

Evening Session

6:00-7:15p - Young Guns Game

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PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT CAMP ROSTER

Group One

Defense

Ty Wishart

Adam Janosik

Geoffrey Schemitsch

Brock Beukeboom

Teigan Zahn

Luke Witkowski

Forwards

Brett Connolly

Brandon Hynes*

Dustin Sylvester*

Andrew Agozzino*

Dana Tyrell

Alex Hutchings

James Mullin

Richard Panik

Mitch Fadden

Goaltenders

Dustin Tokarski

Zane Kalemba*

GROUP TWO

Defense

Radko Gudas

Mark Barberio

Kevin Quick

Scott Jackson

Joe Hartman*

Forwards

Jonathan Lessard*

Carter Ashton

Brendan O'Donnel

James Wright

Alex Killorn

Tim Marks*

Matt Marshall

Adam Krause*

Goaltenders

Jaroslav Janus

Michael Zador

* Denotes non-roster invitee