Moments after announcing they had signed one of their own former sixth-round picks in Connor Kurth, the Tampa Bay Lightning announced that they had traded for, and signed, one of the Carolina Hurricane’s former sixth-round picks. In exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick, the Lightning acquired the rights to forward Lucas Mercuri (pronounced like the planet…or well…car), and then signed the University of Massachusetts product to a two-year deal that begins in the 2025-26 season. Mercuri also signed an amateur tryout contract with the Syracuse Crunch and will finish the season in the AHL.
According to reports, The 6’3″, 192 lb. forward had indicated to Carolina that he wasn’t planning on signing with them prior to his draft rights expiring in August. Rather than let him become an unrestricted free agent, the Canes dealt him to the Lightning for a late-round pick. The Lightning benefit by getting him into the system earlier, and not having to compete on the open market for his rights. They also bring a prospect into the system that they have more of an idea of what kind of player he will be as opposed to taking a flyer on another late-round pick this summer and waiting to see how they develop.
Mercuri wrapped up his four years at UMass with his best season, potting 10 goals and adding 21 assists as the team’s assistant captain. Born in Montreal, the 23-year-old went through the US Junior system, playing 48 games with the Des Moines Buccaneers prior to entering the college ranks. With the Minutemen, he put up 85 points (28 goals, 57 assists) in 148 games.
He plays a physical game along the boards, using his size to win puck battles, and isn’t afraid to play in front of the net where he can set an effective screen, and dig at loose pucks in the middle of scrums. The question will be if he can improve his skating enough to be an effective bottom-six forward at the NHL level. Mercuri didn’t rank in the top-ten of the Carolina Hurricanes prospect rankings, but he’s the type of player that the Lightning like – hockey awareness with flaws (skating) that can be improved.
It does sound like he plays with a bit of an edge, which could make for an interesting pairing with Niko Huuhtanen next season in Syracuse. The Crunch could have a couple of forwards that make defensemen peek over their shoulders when they’re on the forecheck.
