The Tampa Bay Lightning have officially signed Dylan Duke , a junior forward from the University of Michigan ice hockey team, to a three-year entry-level contract. The announcement was made on Monday, April 15. Duke’s contract will kick off in the 2024-25 season, and he will join the Syracuse Crunch for the remainder of the current season.
Duke, who was selected by the Lightning in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, had an impressive season, playing in 41 games and notching 26 goals and 23 assists, totaling 49 points. With an average of 1.20 points per game, Duke ranked 11th in the NCAA for total points and seventh in goals per game (0.63 gpg). Hailing from Strongsville, Ohio, Duke showcased his versatility by scoring eight game-winning goals, 12 power-play goals, and two short-handed goals during the season. As an alternate captain, Duke stood out as the second-highest scorer of game-winning goals in the nation. He was recognized for his outstanding performance, receiving second-team All-Big Ten honors and being named the MVP of the NCAA Regional in Maryland Heights after an impressive five-point game against North Dakota and Michigan State.
Throughout his three-year career, Duke played a total of 123 games, accumulating 100 points. He scored an impressive 54 goals and 46 assists, with 21 power-play goals, 10 game-winning goals, and two short-handed goals. Duke also contributed defensively with a +25 rating and 95 career blocks. His exceptional talent and leadership helped guide the University of Michigan to the NCAA Frozen Four in all three seasons, and the team secured consecutive Big Ten Tournament Championships in 2022 and 2023.
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