Top prospects for Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 8-Sept. 8. Today, the top five prospects for the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to NHL.com.

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1. Hugo Alnefelt, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 71 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Tampa Bay (NHL): 1 GP, 0-0-0, 9.00 GAA, .700 save percentage; Syracuse (AHL) 23 GP, 10-7-4, 3.14 GAA, .882 save percentage; Orlando (ECHL) 2 GP, 0-2-0, 3.51 GAA, .886 save percentage
Alnefelt (6-foot-2, 177 pounds), made his NHL debut Dec. 30, backing up Maxime Lagace while Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brian Elliott were in NHL COVID-19 protocol. He entered in the third period and made seven saves on 10 shots in a 9-3 loss at the Florida Panthers.
The 21-year-old is expected to be the No. 1 goalie with Syracuse of the AHL this season.
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25

2. Isaac Howard, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 31 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:USA U-18 (NTDP): 60 GP, 33-49-82
Howard (5-10, 182) led the USA Hockey National Development Program Under-18 team in assists and points last season, and led the United States with 11 points (six goals, five assists) at the 2022 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
"We thought he was going to go much higher [at the draft]," Lightning assistant general manager and director of scouting Al Murray said. "He's a skilled offensive player with good speed. He drives into the offensive zone toward the net. He doesn't play on the perimeter at all. Both a playmaker and a goal scorer, but he definitely has scoring ability."
The 18-year-old will play this season at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Projected NHL arrival: 2025-26

3. Jack Finley, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 57 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Spokane (WHL) 21 GP, 8-8-16; Winnipeg (WHL) 39 GP, 19-15-34
Finley (6-6, 220) found his scoring touch after being traded from Spokane to Winnipeg on Dec. 6. He capped his season with 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in 15 Western Hockey League playoff games.
The 21-year-old believes he's ready for next step in his career, which likely means starting the season with Syracuse of the AHL.
"I've been focusing on all areas of my game, especially the small details," Finley said during Lightning development camp in July. "Those are the things that will make you a successful hockey player."
Projected NHL arrival: 2024-25

4. Cole Koepke, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 183 pick in 2018 NHL Draft
2021-22 season: Syracuse (AHL): 69 GP, 20-19-39
A sixth-round pick, Koepke (6-1, 196) began his professional career last season after playing the previous three seasons at Minnesota Duluth. The 24-year-old was third with Syracuse in goals and fifth in points.
He impressed enough that the Lightning added him as an extra player and he practiced with the team during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It's likely Koepke will start this season in the AHL, but could be in line for an NHL call-up if a spot opens.
Projected NHL arrival:This season

5. Nick Perbix, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 169 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2021-22 season:St. Cloud State (NCAA): 31 GP, 6-25-31; Syracuse (AHL): 12 GP, 2-6-8
Perbix (6-2, 191) was drafted in the sixth round and was considered a project who has been brought along slowly. The 24-year-old increased his production as a senior at St. Cloud State last season and also played for the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Now he's ready to move into professional hockey.
"I was able to get to Syracuse at the end of [last season] and now it's time to work on getting stronger and understanding more of the small details of the game," Perbix said. "The things you have to do to be successful at this level."
Projected NHL arrival: Next season