Lightning's Upper Deck 2024 NHL Draft Spotlight: Jan Golicic

After previously moving their first three picks in separate trades, the Tampa Bay Lightning did not make their first selection until the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. With their first draft pick, they selected defenseman Jan Golicic at the No. 118 spot.

Golicic, 18, is undoubtedly an interesting player for the Lightning to add to their prospect pool. The 6-foot-6, left-shot defender has the tools to become an impactful shutdown defender in the NHL later down the road. He has been praised for his steady defensive play and immense physicality, and these characteristics could lead to him having a bright future with the Lightning.

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Golicic just completed his first junior season with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL, posting three goals, 29 points, and 48 penalty minutes. Overall, it was a solid first QMJHL season for the Jesenic, Slovenia native, and he will look to take another step forward in his development in 2024-25.

However, while Golicic is primarily known for his shutdown ability, his production at the QMJHL level shows that he has some offensive talent to go along with it. His passing ability and hands are two strong points of his game, and he could hit higher numbers with the Olympiques in 2024-25 because of it.

Golicic also showed his offensive potential with his sensational tournament for Slovenia at the Division II U-18 World Championship. In just five games, he posted four goals and 10 points and was named the tournament's top defender.

Related: Lightning Forward Is Clear Bounce-Back Candidate

Nevertheless, while Golicic is already the size of an NHL defenseman, he will need more time to develop in junior before jumping to the Lightning's roster. As a fourth-round pick, he will be a bit of a project for the Bolts, but there is no question that he is a very intriguing prospect to follow from here.

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