Dylan Duke Called Up by Tampa Bay Lightning

On the eve of two crucial road games against division rivals, the Tampa Bay Lightning made a significant roster move on Friday evening. They called up young forward prospect Dylan Duke from AHL Syracuse, sparking excitement among fans and teammates alike.

Cirelli’s Availability in Question

The decision to bring up Duke raised questions about the availability of matchup center Anthony Cirelli for the upcoming games. Cirelli had missed the previous game due to an upper-body injury and is currently listed as day to day.

Michigan Native Making NHL Debut

If Duke gets the chance to make his NHL debut during these back-to-back games, it will be a special moment for the 21-year-old. Having played college hockey at Michigan, he will be just a short distance away from familiar territory. The Lightning drafted Duke in the fourth round of the 2021 draft after his impressive performances with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Impressive Performance in AHL

During his first full pro season with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, Duke showcased his talent with a team-leading 13 goals, 22 points, and a plus-6 rating in 36 games. His skills and determination on the ice did not go unnoticed by the Lightning’s coaching staff.

Reshuffling the Roster

Shortly after Duke’s call-up, the Lightning reassigned veteran forward Conor Sheary to Syracuse. Sheary had a brief stint with the team, playing one game and registering one shot attempt in limited ice time on Thursday.

Goaltender Update

In other roster news, goaltender Brandon Halverson cleared waivers on Friday afternoon. However, his status on the Syracuse roster remained unclear by the end of the night. Despite being on waivers, Halverson continued to serve as Andrei Vasilevskiy’s backup in Thursday’s game.

Conclusion

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s roster adjustments set the stage for an exciting series of games ahead. With young talents like Dylan Duke getting the opportunity to shine, the team is gearing up for intense matchups against division rivals.

FAQs

Q: Will Anthony Cirelli be back in action soon?

A: Cirelli’s status is day to day, and his return will depend on his recovery from the upper-body injury.

Q: How did Dylan Duke perform in the AHL?

A: Duke had an impressive season with the Syracuse Crunch, leading the team in goals and showcasing his potential as a rising star.