Jack Finley had a really solid season in 2024-25. Unfortunately, as has been the case so far in his pro career, it was a short season. He appeared in 40 games for the Syracuse Crunch putting up a career-high 14 goals and adding 14 assists. Finley, a 2020 second-round pick for the Lightning, also made his NHL debut, appearing in one game for Tampa Bay. Despite the injuries that have followed him from junior hockey, the Lightning seem confident in his future as they inked him to a three-year contract on Sunday.
Much like Max Crozier’s deal last week, the first year is a two-way contract with a $100,000 minor-league salary, and the final two seasons are one-way deals. The AAV at the NHL level is $775,000. The 22-year-old will still be a restricted free agent when the deal expires. Last summer he was ranked tenth in Raw Charge’s most recent Top 25 Under 25.
What does this mean for the Lightning roster? Finley, a sizable lad at 6’6″ and 220 lb., could be in the mix for a spot on the bottom-six as early as next season. Depending on how general manager Julien BriseBois attacks free agency, Finley could see a long look in training camp, both as a center and a winger. He is a grinder who makes his living in front of the net, and while he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves, fighting isn’t his calling card. He plays physical, using his size to move opponents out of the way in the defensive zone while setting up in front of the net and eclipsing the goaltender’s view in the offensive zone.
He isn’t the fleetest of skaters, but has been improving since joining the organization and is at least perfectly okay at the professional level. During his cup of coffee with the Bolts last season he skated between Cameron Atkinson and Mitchell Chaffee, and the trio didn’t allow a scoring chance or shot against. The big guy did rack up a shot off of a high-danger chance in 8:25 of ice time.
Should he not make the team out of training camp, he should see top-six minutes with the Crunch and in a position to earn a call-up to the Lightning. One thing to note is that, since he signed his first contract back in 2020 as an 18-year-old, he is no longer waivers exempt. He would have to clear waivers to be assigned to Syracuse. The length of his contract and relative inexperience should prevent most teams from claiming him, but it is worth noting.
The biggest goal for Finley should be to stay healthy all season long. After not getting his season going until the middle of December this season, he should be ready to go from the start this fall. If he can stay on the ice, this could be the season where he takes the next step in his professional development.
