Tampa Bay Lightning: Training Camp Roster Update

Vice President and general manager Julien BriseBois confirmed the Tampa Bay Lightning roster update, which reduced their training roster by a total of 10 players.  Following these moves, Tampa Bay now has 53 players remaining in camp.

This round of cuts primarily involves junior-aged prospects, who will return to their respective CHL or USHL clubs to play significant roles and continue their development. Each of these players gained valuable experience by skating alongside NHL players. They get to absorb professional habits and showcasing their potential to the Lightning staff.

Lightning Roster Updates

Tampa Bay Roster Updates to Various Leagues

Aiden Foster – Prince George (WHL)

Foster impressed with his energy and north-south game during preseason skates. Back with the Cougars, he’ll look to expand his offensive role, although maintaining the tenacity that earned him this camp invite.

Jan Golicic – Gatineau (QMJHL)

The Slovak forward showed flashes of skill and playmaking ability in drills. Returning to the Olympiques will gives him a chance to play top-six minutes and build confidence against strong competition in the QMJHL.

Caleb Heil – Madison (USHL)

Heil, a goaltender, will head back to the Madison Capitols, where he’ll see heavy workloads in net. After training with NHL shooters, the experience should help him sharpen his technique and rebound control in the USHL.

Everett Baldwin – Saint John (QMJHL)

Baldwin heads back to the QMJHL’s Sea Dogs after making a strong impression with his size and two-way play in rookie camp. Saint John will rely on him to eat big minutes on the blue line while continuing to refine his skating and puck transition skills.

Tampa Bay Roster Updates to OHL

Ethan Czata – Niagara (OHL)

Czata returns to the IceDogs, where he’ll continue developing as a steady defenseman with offensive upside. His mobility and ability to jump into the rush stood out in camp, and the Lightning will be tracking his consistency in the OHL.

Marco Mignosa – Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

A hard-working forward, Mignosa leaves camp with praise for his hockey sense and compete level. The Greyhounds will count on him to be a reliable producer, while the Lightning monitor his continued offensive growth.

Sam O’Reilly – London (OHL)

O’Reilly displayed poise and maturity well beyond his age, something that fits right in with London’s tradition of producing NHL talent. The Lightning will expect him to keep progressing as a playmaker and leader with the Knights.

Kaden Pitre – Flint (OHL)

Pitre head backs to the Firebirds after showing flashes of grit and determination in camp. Known for his work ethic, he will be leaned on as a high-energy forward who can chip in offensively and set the tone for Flint.

Grant Spada – Guelph (OHL)

Spada leaves camp having gained confidence from the NHL pace. He’ll return to Guelph, where the Storm will look for him to continue developing his offensive game while playing a responsible 200-foot style.

Release

Maddox Labre – Victoriaville (QMJHL)

Labre, who was released from the camp roster, will rejoin the Victoriaville Tigres. He remains on the Lightning’s radar as a developing defenseman, albeit with a physical edge and will aim to solidify his defensive reliability in junior play.

Roster Update: Big Picture

Accordingly, some of these Tampa Bay Lightning roster updates aren’t surprising. The junior prospects are best served playing big minutes in their home leagues rather than sitting further down the charts in pro camp. For the Tampa Bay Lightning, this step trims the roster closer to a workable size.  It also keeps an eye on future assets. As this core group ages, they will need to rely on keen, frugal free-agent signings. Yet, they need to bring up the right surging and emerging stars to help carry them forward. For the players, the exposure to NHL pace and professionalism will be invaluable as they return to their junior clubs ready to take on leadership roles.