July 23, 2008

Lewis Among Thrashers' Top Prospects

Young players are the lifeblood of any organization. With the 2008 Entry Draft now history, NHL teams have had the chance to assess their young players to see who has a chance of making it to "The Show" for the 2008-09 season and beyond.

NHL.com's writing staff has been working the phones since the Entry Draft ended to compile the most up-to-date information on team prospects anywhere.

Starting Monday, July 21, NHL.com will spotlight one club and look at the young players fans should become familiar with this summer because they soon may be coming to an NHL arena near you.

On July 23, NHL.com featured the Atlanta Thrashers. On the list of the team's top prospects is former Dartmouth standout Grant Lewis. Following is the summary on Lewis, including comments by Atlanta Thrashers Director of Amateur Scouting and Player Development Dan Marr:

Following four seasons at Dartmouth, where he accumulated 77 points (64 assists) in 120 games, Lewis scored two goals and 14 assists with a plus-16 rating in 43 games with the Wolves last season. The Thrashers selected Lewis in the second round (No. 40) in the 2004 draft. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder is regarded as an offensive defenseman with excellent vision.

"Just when things started going well for Grant in Chicago last season, he couldn't stay healthy long enough to regain that form," Marr said. "He's real strong off the puck and his ability on the power play is a plus. When healthy, he could have an impact. If he gets stronger, this could be a breakout year for him."

Complete article on the Thrashers' prospects can be accessed by clicking here.