Mark Barberio

[MrMcGz]

After an almost point per game season in the QMJHL and over a point per game in the playoffs, what are people's thoughts on him getting signed and making an impact on the big club as an offensive defensemen ala Dan Boyle?

[TBLbrian]

I think he gets a good amount of time in Norfolk soon. We have no need to rush guys like that, time to give them time to become the best they can.

[hfgreg]

Norfolk.. he had a good season but he's not ready for the NHL.

[Bolt32]

Agreed with the two posters above. He needs time to get used to the speed of the game, the jump from Junior to NHL is HUGE. Getting a couple of seasons in the AHL would benifit him the most. Once he starts producing in the AHL then we can think about having him in the big club.

[MrMcGz]

He has decent size for a puckmover, and while the skill level between QMJHL and the NHL is night and day, I'd like to see what he can do in a Lightning sweater eventually. Let's see if he can dominate in the AHL for a year or so.

[randyc]

Conventional wisdom has dmen taking about 3 years on average before going to the NHL. As pointed out correctly, Barberio should spend some time in the AHL. It's a big jump from the juniors even to the AHL, much less the NHL level.

Depending on his development he can always be called up.

[Scarbossa]

37 points in 41 games so far in his second AHL season...any chance he fights for a roster spot on the Lighting next Fall?

[chasespace]

Originally Posted by kdxman

37 points in 41 games so far in his second AHL season...any chance he fights for a roster spot on the Lighting next Fall?

It's looking that way. Looking at who we have signed on the blueline for next year(Brewer, Hedman, Bergeron, and Ohlund[iffy]) I wouldn't say it's too far out of the realm of possibility if both him and Gudas make a strong case as to why they should both stay up.

[Still All In]

I've been playing this kids card for a long time now, his time in the Q was overshadowed because his defensive partner was Gormley and he was the high pick (see: sexy), but Barberios offense was the catalyst there. The kid is a legit puckmover with great vision and good patience, which is improving this year. His defensive coverage, of course, needs work but it has also improved by leaps and bounds this year.

I still think he faces one more year in the AHL for obvious reasons (improving d coverage, replicate his success, patience from the front office) but could see some NHL time if we somehow run into huge issues trying to find defenders in free agency.

[bassassin]

Looking forward to see what he can do, can't even remember the last time Tampa drafted and developed an offensive dman.

[Still All In]

Paul Ranger comes to mind as the last we've developed.