2025-26 Tampa Bay Lightning Top Prospects

** Different sites can use different criteria for determining who is still a prospect. Also, for Dobber Prospect lists they take a fantasy hockey approach – prospects whose current trajectory projects them making the most positive fantasy impact at the time that they reach the NHL.

Sam O’Reilly – He combines strong skating, excellent hockey sense, and a relentless work ethic that coaches love. While his offensive numbers have grabbed attention, scouts are equally impressed by how responsible he is away from the puck. O’Reilly wins battles, supports defensively, and consistently makes intelligent decisions under pressure.

Benjamin Rautiainen – Rautiainen’s strengths revolve around his vision, puck skills, and ability to make plays at high speed. He consistently creates opportunities for teammates and has shown an improving ability to finish scoring chances himself. While he does not possess elite size, he compensates with anticipation and creativity. His biggest challenge moving forward will be adapting to the pace and physical demands of North American professional hockey.

Ethan Gauthier – He is an aggressive forechecker, attacks defenders with speed, and is willing to battle in difficult areas despite not being the biggest player on the ice. His offensive game has continued to improve, particularly his playmaking and puck-management skills. Gauthier’s combination of skating, work ethic, and hockey sense gives him a relatively high floor as a prospect.

Dylan Duke – Duke is not a flashy player, but he consistently impacts games through intelligence, competitiveness, and net-front presence. He excels around the crease, wins battles along the boards, and has a knack for scoring goals in high-traffic areas. His skating and overall pace have improved significantly since his draft year, helping him project more favorably to the NHL.

Ethan Czata – Czata combines good size, offensive instincts, and a willingness to play a physical game. He is particularly effective driving the middle of the ice and creating opportunities around the net. His shot is one of his better offensive tools, and he has shown flashes of high-end finishing ability. Scouts also appreciate his competitiveness and willingness to engage physically.

2025 Tampa Bay Lightning Draft Picks

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