Captivating column from ESPN Insider Craig Custance on Wednesday. He checked in with Lightning sniper Steven Stamkos, who painted a picture of the challenges he faced as an 18-year-old coming from major junior hockey to Tampa Bay. Now think about what Stars first-rounder Valeri Nichushkin will be going through this season. Despite these challenges, there's some thought that Nichushkin is the most NHL-ready of the entire draft class, after dominant play at the Traverse City prospect tournament. Dallas may well have gotten the steal of the draft if that winds up being the case.
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