The prospects for the Tampa Bay Lightning descended upon the bay area to kick off the 2023 development camp at the TGH Ice Plex. The future members of the team started on-ice workouts on Sunday and will continue through tomorrow. On Tuesday and Wednesday they will split up into teams and conclude things with their annual 3-on-3 tournaments.
Isaac Howard looking sharp on his edges. pic.twitter.com/5vRQhQn6MM
— Chris Krenn (@Chris_Krenn) July 2, 2023
Recent draft picks Ethan Gauthier and Jayson Shaugabay joined the previous announced roster which features all of the top prospects in the organization, including last year’s first-round pick, Isaac Howard.
For the most part, these camps are for the coaching staff to check in on the younger players in the organization that likely won’t have much ice time once training camp starts in the fall. It also level sets expectations for the players before they return to their junior, college, or AHL teams.
As always, there are a few invitees sprinkled in with the prospects. These players aren’t members of the organization, but have a chance to impress the coaching staff with an eye on being signed for the future. This year’s invitees are:
Dillan Bentley (F)
Bentley is a 22-year-old center that is currently playing at UMass-Lowell. In his first season the 6’4″, right-shot put up 2 goals and 3 asssists in 22 games.
Tyler Duke (D)
Does the name sound familiar? It should as Tyler is Dylan Duke’s younger brother. The 18-year-old defenseman played at Ohio State last year, but entered the transfer portal and will be playing with brother Dylan at the University of Michigan in the upcoming season. Despite being 5’9″ the younger Duke plays a feisty game as he racked up 45 PIMs along with 4 goals and 8 assists last year for the Buckeyes.
Scott Wallford (D)
A 6’2″ defenseman currently enrolled at McGill University, Wallford was actually drafted by the Montreal Canadiens back in the third-round of the 2017 draft, but they chose not to sign him to an entry-level contract. At 24, he’s not necessarily a prospect, but a good showing at camp could lead to that illusive pro contract with a minor league team.
Ludvig Persson (G)
Persson is another collegiate athlete that transferred to a new university this summer. After three seasons at Miami University (Ohio) he’ll be strapping on the pads for the University of North Dakota.
The on-ice workouts and the three-on-three tournament is open to the public (see the roster link above for the schedule).
Ben Gaudreau (G)
While not on the roster, it has been reported that the Sarnia Sting goaltender was invited to camp. Originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2021, he was able to re-enter the draft this year after they didn’t sign him by June 1. He went undrafted, but the 20-year-old is hoping to make a good impression.
Lightning / NHL News
Between the Maroon trade and this, I’m not doing very well emotionally.
To Bolts Nation, Thank You. pic.twitter.com/yypf1xLfm9
— Alex Killorn (@Akillorn19) July 3, 2023
Lightning corner market on 2024 7th round picks [Raw Charge]
I’m torn on this deal. On one hand, it’s the smart hockey move. On the other, I’m going to miss Maroon (especially his chirping on mic’d up segments). All the best in Minnesota.
Lightning sign Calvin de Haan [Raw Charge]
With a little bit of cap room available, general manager Julien BriseBois added to his defensive depth by signing de Haan to a league-minimum deal.
Lucas Edmonds Twitter AMA [Lightning Twitter]
Who knew he was a Swiftie?
Lightning go value hunting on day one [Lightning Insider – subscription required]
Erik Erlendsson recaps the Lightning’s first day of free agency. The key word – value.
Lightning are less recognizable without Killorn, but not dead yet [Tampa Bay Times]
Killorn will be missed, but the Lightning aren’t out of the playoff picture due to his departure. Next year’s squad will be a younger, faster version of what we’ve seen recently writes John Romano.
Merelä’s strong Liiga postseason leads to Bolt’s contract [NHL.com]
Waltter Merelä had more than one NHL suitor after putting up 14 points in 14 postseason games for Tappara last season. In the United States for the first time in his life, the Lightning free agent signing spoke with Chris Krenn about the recruiting process and his time in the Liiga.
Maples Leafs add truculence to the line-up [Twitter]
The Maple Leafs are getting tougher as they added Max Domi ($3 million) and Tyler Bertuzzi ($5.5 million). Are they better? Maybe, maybe not. They are now wildly over the cap and still have Ilya Samsonov as a RFA. Are they going to trade his rights? Is Willy Nylander on his way out? So many questions!
