Exec: Bolts' talent is top-heavy

Jim Devellano knows what great hockey players look like.

He has drafted enough of them during his 43 years in the National Hockey League, helping build the Islanders and Red Wings into dynasties as a scout and executive while earning seven Stanley Cup rings.

As senior vice president of the Red Wings, Devellano splits his time between Detroit and Sarasota. He has been a frequent visitor to Lightning games since the franchise was founded nearly two decades ago.

Devellano is credited with targeting Hall of Fame players such as Steve Yzerman, Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin before they were drafted, and this astute talent evaluator isn't known for his hyperbole.

But when you ask him about 20-year-old Tampa Bay center Steven Stamkos, Devellano doesn't curb his enthusiasm.

"Steve Stamkos is a superstar," Devellano said of the NHL's third-leading goal scorer. "There aren't many. There's only three or four in the league, and Stamkos is one of 'em. He's a superstar, and then you add a Marty St. Louis, who is such a good hockey player, Vinny Lecavalier can still play, and I believe (rookie defenseman) Victor Hedman will be a very good player. Pairing Hedman up with an older, stronger partner would help.

"Tampa Bay's goaltending has actually been good this year. There are some pieces here, but after those names, it falls off dramatically. That's the problem."

Although he doesn't claim to know Jeff Vinik, Devellano said the Lightning's new owner appears committed to winning.

"It's always exciting when a franchise has single ownership," he said. "We have that in Detroit. It's an advantage, because the buck always stops with one guy. You're not dealing with a board of directors or a fragmented ownership group, like they had here before. He's been very successful as a financier, and Jeff Vinik understands it's important to have qualified experts doing their job. At the same time, he has a major investment here in Tampa and he needs to be hands-on in the community."

With the Lightning barely clinging to fading playoff hopes, Devellano said Coach Rick Tocchet is doing the best he can under trying circumstances.

"Rick Tocchet is a hard-nosed guy," Devellano said. "He was a good hockey player ... he played hard and he coaches hard. You can't judge a coach until he's got a decent hockey club. To be fair to Rick Tocchet, he has kept this team in the race. Up until the Olympic break, the Lightning were hanging on the verge.

"They've had some injuries and they don't have enough players. As the year goes on, the teams that have a few more players, like Montreal, make a late run. I believe Tocchet has another year left on his contract, and I say give it to him."