Lightning Late-Season Prospect Check-In

The future of the Bolt's has some potential impact players.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s prospect pool experienced a shuffle on the final day of the trade deadline. In the trade for forward Anthony Duclair from the San Jose Sharks, the Lightning traded away defenseman Jack Thompson.

With Thompson out of the system now, it’s a good time to check in on the remaining prospects in the Lightning’s system. The already shallow prospect pool still has some notable names that could make an impact soon.

Isaac Howard (LW, Michigan State)

The lone Lightning first-rounder is the centerpiece of any prospect check-in. Howard had a slow start in his return to college hockey from the World Juniors with just three points in his first eight games. But he found his stride again in the following seven games, Howard had nine points (one goal and eight assists).

Isaac Howard, Michigan State University

Michigan State has had a stellar season currently ranked fourth in the country and has captured the Big Ten regular season title.

They are now in the heat of the Big Ten Tournament. Howard assisted Daniel Russell's goal to open scoring in the 2-1 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Semifinal. The Spartans are in the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game for the first time and have arguably secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament (from ‘Michigan State hockey headed to first Big Ten title game after 2-1 home win over OSU,’ Detroit Free Press, March 17, 2024). They will play rival Michigan (more on that later).

Howard has been a key addition this season in Lansing, and the Lightning will have a fine prospect on their hands once he comes to professional hockey.

Gage Goncalves (Center, AHL Syracuse)

Apart from two games with the Lightning, Goncalves has spent the entire season with the Syracuse Crunch, the Bolts’s American Hockey League affiliate. His lack of appearances in Tampa Bay was not for lack of performance.