High draft pick Dennis Yan is off to a hot start for Tampa Bay Lightning jr team

The Tampa Bay Lightning drafted Dennis Yan in the third round, 64th overall, at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The Portland, Oregon, native is off to a hot start in his second season with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

“He is a high-skill player that plays with a lot of patience,” Cataractes head coach Martin Bernard said.

Last season, Yan scored 33 goals and 64 points in 59 games. Ten of his 33 goals came on the power play. He also compiled a +23 rating during that span.

Yan is picking up right where he left off this season as he has scored nine goals in his first seven games along with seven assists. His prowess for scoring on the power play has also carried over as five of his nine goals have been on the man advantage.

“He has been a key guy for us,” Bernard said. “He can change a moment of a game with his intensity.”

When asked about the key factor for Yan’s success on the power play, Bernard said it was due to his shot accuracy.

This past week, Yan shined with back-to-back five-point performances to boost the Cataractes record to 9-2-0-0 to start the season. On Friday, Yan scored a hat trick as the Cataractes defeated the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 8-7 in overtime. His stellar performance continued on Monday night when he recorded a natural hat trick after scoring two goals in the third period to give the Cataractes a 5-2 victory over Val-d’Or Foreurs. Yan also recorded two assists in the contest.

Bernard pointed out that playing with the same consistency and pace will be key to his development moving forward.

The Cataractes are looking to advance past the first round this season in their quest for the Memorial Cup. Expect Yan to be right in the center of the action.

via Prospect of the Week – Dennis Yan – Tampa Bay Lightning – News.