Declan Carlile and Lightning Re-Sign a Two-Year, Two-Way Contract
The Way Carlile Performed in the AHL
Declan Carlile, 24, had a stellar season playing for the Lightning’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. Carlile scored 27 points and seven goals in 61 games. He finished second among Crunch defensemen in terms of assists (20), points, plus/minus rating (+10), and power-play assists (6), all of which were attributed to his performance.
Carlile was involved in all eight games and scored one goal and five points, good for a tie for the second-most points among all Crunch players. He also contributed significantly to the Crunch’s journey through the Calder Cup Playoffs.
NHL Debut and Context
On January 4, 2024, Carlile played in his first NHL game with the Lightning against the Minnesota Wild. He played 11:27 minutes on the ice, blocked two shots, and scored one point in his one NHL game. Carlile’s performance in the AHL shows his potential and willingness to step up when called upon, despite his minimal NHL experience.
Professional Growth
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defenseman, a native of Hartland, Michigan, was not selected by the Merrimack College hockey team before he signed his first contract with the Lightning on March 16, 2022. Carlile’s rise from undrafted college player to possible NHL regular is a testament to his perseverance and development as a player.
Carlile’s development is supported by the Lightning’s two-year, two-way deal, which gives him the freedom to play in the AHL or NHL as needed. Carlile has shown promise with the Crunch, and his little NHL experience coupled with his outstanding play suggests he might be a valuable addition to the Lightning in the upcoming seasons.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a calculated decision by re-signing Declan Carlile in order to secure a promising defenseman with notable development and potential. Carlile will probably become a more valuable member of the team as he develops, giving the Lightning’s defensive lineup additional depth and talent.