Latest news with #DylanDuke
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL 2025-26 prospect outlook: Tampa Bay Lightning gamble on development over star power
NHL-Dylan Duke of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Credit: Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the 2025–26 NHL season. And with one of the thinnest prospect pools in the league. That too, without a marquee name ready to make a major leap, and the team is leaning heavily on its long-trusted development staff to mold contributors from within. It's a familiar strategy, betting on culture, effort, and coaching rather than elite natural talent. Lightning's Dylan Duke Buries Memorable First Goal In His NHL Debut Dylan Duke pushes for an NHL shot Leading the charge in the Tampa Bay pipeline is left winger Dylan Duke. The 22-year-old former Michigan Wolverine had a breakout rookie season in the AHL with Syracuse, posting 20 goals and 40 points in 62 games. He even earned a short call-up to the NHL, showing the kind of gritty, relentless play that the Lightning value in their bottom six. Ethan Czata headlines 2025 draft picks With limited picks in the top 100 of the 2025 NHL Draft. Tampa Bay didn't add any game-breaking prospects. But center Ethan Czata, selected 56th overall, could develop. That too into a reliable depth piece. Czata, who played for the OHL's Niagara IceDogs, is a smart, physical forward with two-way upside. Though not a flashy scorer, his responsible style suits Tampa's identity. Other draftees include Benjamin Rautiainen, a skilled forward from Finland's Liiga, and Grant Spada, a 6-foot-5 defender with shutdown potential. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Got Knee Pain? Treatment in Bhanga Might Surprise You Knee Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Goalie Caleb Heil adds depth to a position where the Lightning lacks long-term answers. 2025 NHL Draft : Ethan Czata - 24-25 Highlights Tampa Bay's depth pool thins The Lightning's pipeline took a hit when top prospect Isaac Howard, the 2022 Hobey Baker Award winner, requested a trade. He was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Sam O'Reilly, a solid, defense-first center but a downgrade in terms of upside. Still, the Lightning's ace is their player development track record. Their AHL affiliate in Syracuse has become a reliable talent incubator. And regularly turning overlooked players into NHL contributors, that system-first approach has allowed Tampa Bay to stay competitive even without a deep pipeline. As they chase continued playoff relevance. The Lightning are counting on that development magic once again. With the right timing and patience, another hidden gem might emerge, and that might be enough to keep Tampa in the mix. Also Read: The Buffalo Sabres shake the NHL trade with Devon Levi's leap, Bowen Byram buzz and JJ Peterka's surprising pivot Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
3 Lightning Breakout Candidates For 2025-26 Season
The Tampa Bay Lightning are known for having plenty of veteran stars on their roster. However, they also have some younger players who have the potential to break out and hit new levels next season. Let's discuss three Lightning players who could do just that now. Conor Geekie just completed his first season in the NHL this year, and he naturally had some growing pains along the way. In 52 games with the Bolts, he posted eight goals, 14 points, and a minus-4 rating. He also played in four post-season games for the Lightning, where he had one assist. While Geekie's offensive numbers during his rookie season may not stand out, there is no question that the 21-year-old has the potential to break out next season. The 2022 first-round pick has all the tools to blossom into a high-impact top-six forward, and it will be interesting to see if he takes a big step forward in his development next year from here. Don't be surprised if Dylan Duke gets more opportunities on the Lightning's roster next season. The 22-year-old forward had a solid first season with the Syracuse Crunch in 2024-25, posting 20 goals, 40 points, and a plus-11 rating in 62 games. He also played in his first two NHL games with the Bolts, where he scored a goal. Duke has shown good promise at the AHL level, and the potential for him to earn a more prominent role with the Lightning next season is there. Gage Goncalves took a nice step in the right direction this season with the Lightning. In 60 games with the NHL squad, he posted eight goals, 12 assists, and a plus-7 rating. Overall, he showed that he is ready for the NHL, and it would not be shocking at all if his offensive numbers improve next season now that he is more adjusted to the NHL level. Goncalves should have a more significant role with the Lightning next season and will surely get reps on their power play. It is going to be very fascinating to see what kind of season the 24-year-old can have in 2025-26. Recent Lightning News 2 Lightning Pending Free Agents Team Must Re-Sign 3 Lightning Who Likely Won't Be Back Next Season Former Lightning Forward Ties Panthers Team Record Lightning Assistant GM To Be Hired By New Team Why Lightning Fans Should Be Excited About New Goalie Lightning Forward Could Generate Serious Interest This Summer Lightning Should Make Big Move With Ryan McDonagh Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Crunch star Dylan Duke previews playoff series against the Amerks as the series comes to Syracuse
(WSYR-TV) — The puck has dropped on the American Hockey League Calder Cup Playoffs and currently the Syracuse Crunch find themselves in a 0-2 hole against the Rochester Americans. Coming up Thursday the series finds its way to the Salt City for game 3. Syracuse Crunch Forward Dylan Duke joined the show Monday to discuss the series thus far, his first full-season of pro hockey, and how the fans can make a difference Thursday night. Game 3 Thursday begins at 7 p.m. at Upstate Medical University Arena. To snag your tickets, head to Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Amerks rally for game one win over Crunch
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – The Rochester Americans rallied from a 2-0 second period deficit, defeating Syracuse 3-2 in game one of the North Division Semifinals. After a scoreless first period, Conor Sheary gave the Crunch a 1-0 lead just 21 seconds into the second period. Syracuse would strike again just over three minutes later, on Dylan Duke's first goal of the playoffs. Rochester answered, tying the game with a power-play goal from Riley Fiddler-Schultz. Tied at two early in the third, Kale Clague blasted home a shot from the point for the game-winner. Syracuse suffers its first road loss since March 7th. Game two of the best-of-five North Division Semifinals is scheduled for Sunday at 3:05 p.m. in Rochester. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lightning Assign 2 Forwards & Goalie To AHL
The Tampa Bay Lightning have announced that Gage Goncalves, Dylan Duke, and Brandon Halverson have been assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. View the to see embedded media. With the Lightning's break for the 4 Nations Face-Off here, it is understandable that these three are heading down to the AHL. They will now get the chance to continue to get into game action with the Crunch from here. Goncalves, 24, has appeared in 33 games this season with the Lightning, posting one goal, six assists, and a plus-3 rating. This includes five assists over his last six games. Duke, 21, was recently called up by the Lightning. In two games with the Bolts this season, he has one goal. He also has 13 goals and 22 points in 36 games with the Crunch. Halverson recently landed an NHL deal with the Lightning. He has yet to make his Lightning debut but is having a strong season with the Crunch. In 26 games, he has a 12-7-7 record, a .918 save percentage, and a 2.20 goals-against average.
