Steve Yzerman's tenure as general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning is widely regarded as one of the most successful in franchise history. Taking the reins in 2010, Yzerman transformed the Lightning into a perennial contender, culminating in back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021. While his shrewd trades and free-agent signings were crucial to this success, his drafting record stands out as a testament to his keen eye for talent. Here are five of the best draft picks from the Yzerman era:

1. Nikita Kucherov (2011, Round 2, 58th overall)

Arguably Yzerman's greatest draft coup, Nikita Kucherov slipped to the second round due to concerns about his willingness to play in North America. Yzerman took a chance, and it paid off handsomely. Kucherov has blossomed into one of the NHL's most dynamic and electrifying players, winning the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and Ted Lindsay Award in 2019. His offensive brilliance and playmaking wizardry have been instrumental to the Lightning's success, and he stands as a testament to Yzerman's ability to identify and develop high-end talent outside of the first round.

2. Andrei Vasilevskiy (2012, Round 1, 19th overall)

Drafting a goaltender in the first round is always a risky proposition, but Yzerman's selection of Andrei Vasilevskiy proved to be a masterstroke. After a period of development, Vasilevskiy has emerged as one of the league's elite netminders, consistently ranking among the top in wins, save percentage, and goals-against average. "Vasy" was a Vezina Trophy winner in 2019 and Conn Smythe winner in 2021, backstopping the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cups with his stellar play. His athleticism, poise, and competitive fire make him a cornerstone of the franchise.

3. Brayden Point (2014, Round 3, 79th overall)

Another example of Yzerman's ability to find gems in the later rounds, Brayden Point was considered undersized and overlooked by many teams. However, Yzerman saw Point's potential, and the speedy forward quickly exceeded expectations. Point has developed into a top-line center, known for his offensive skills, tenacious forechecking, and clutch performances. His contributions to the Lightning's Stanley Cup runs have been invaluable, solidifying his status as a key member of the team's core.

4. Ondrej Palat (2011, Round 7, 208th overall)

Drafted in the seventh round, Ondrej Palat is arguably one of the best value picks in NHL history. Palat defied expectations, carving out a successful career as a top-six forward for the Lightning. Known for his two-way play, hockey sense, and clutch goals, Palat was an integral part of Tampa Bay's championship teams. His versatility and reliability made him a coach's dream, and his contributions often went beyond the scoresheet.

5. Anthony Cirelli (2015, Round 3, 72nd overall)

While the Lightning didn't have a first-round pick in 2015, they still managed to find a future core player in Anthony Cirelli. A third-round pick, Cirelli has become one of the Lightning's most important centers. He is a top-six forward and a key penalty killer. He is signed until the completion of the 2030-31 season. In 396 career games with the team, he has 87 goals and 208 points.

Yzerman's drafting prowess was a cornerstone of the Lightning's success during his tenure. His ability to identify and develop talent from all rounds of the draft transformed the team into a powerhouse, and his legacy continues to be felt in Tampa Bay today.