Tampa Bay Lightning 6th round pick in the 2008 draft (#156 overall), 2nd year defenseman Mark Barberio(8) is having himself another career year with their AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals.
He leads all defenseman in the league with 47 assists, tied for 2nd in plus/minus (+25) and overall points (60). In his first campaign he established a new record for points, assists and points among rookie defenseman.
He was recently named winner of the Eddie Shore Award as the outstanding blue liner for the 2011/2012 season and also picked as a 1st team AHL All-Star.
One surprising note in all that is good so far in his pro career, the 22-year old has yet to receive an NHL recall despite all the success.
It’s seemingly the one thing that has eluded the 6’1″ 200 lbs. d-man.
He’s in the 2nd year of his 3-year entry level deal.