Top prospects for Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to NHL.com.

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1. Isaac Howard, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 31 pick in 2022 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA): 35 GP, 6-11-17

Howard transferred to Michigan State University after playing one season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The 19-year-old is reuniting with coach Adam Nightingale, who coached Howard for two seasons at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (2020-22). Howard, who is 5-foot-10, 182 pounds, said during development camp in July that he's hoping the transfer to Michigan State will allow him to get back to his game. He said he had to play more of a grinding style last season, but his game is built on skill.

Lightning assistant general manager and director of player development Stacy Roest said Howard projects as an offensive-minded player who will be on the power play at the NHL level.

"He's a very skilled, high IQ player who is getting stronger and is a good skater," Roest said. "He's going to have a big year."

Projected NHL arrival:2025-26

2. Hugo Alnefelt, G

How acquired:Selected with No. 71 pick in 2019 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Syracuse (AHL): 33 GP, 17-12-2, 2.77 GAA, .904 save percentage

The 22-year-old spent last season splitting time with Max Lagace with Syracuse of the American Hockey League. Alnefelt (6-2, 177 pounds) was beset by some nagging injuries but overall had a solid second season in the AHL after playing 23 games and going 10-7-4 with a 3.14 GAA and .882 save percentage in 2021-22. The next step is to take on a bigger role this season with the goal of being a potential call-up if the Lightning need him.

"I think he's right on the right path," Roest said. "He showed he can start some games in a row in the minors. He's right on target."

Projected NHL arrival:2024-25

3. Jack Thompson, D

How acquired:Selected with No. 93 pick in 2020 NHL Draft

2022-23 season:Syracuse (AHL): 71 GP, 8-15-23

Thompson slowly built up his ice time and took on a bigger role with Syracuse when the Lightning promoted Darren Raddysh on March 2. Thompson (6-0, 178) was able to kill penalties and while the 21-year-old didn't get much power play time, that could come this season.

"He's a good two-way defenseman that can move a puck," Roest said. "He can really shoot it. It was a good season for him. He eased his way into it. Another year in Syracuse coming, hopefully a bigger role."

Projected NHL arrival:2025-26

4. Jack Finley, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 57 pick in 2020 Draft

2022-23 season:Syracuse (AHL): 67 GP, 12-9-21

Finley is hoping to be ready for training camp after rehabbing a shoulder injury, Roest said. He had a strong first season in Syracuse, starting lower in the lineup and working his way up to the No. 2 center. Despite his size (6-6, 220), the 20-year-old has impressed with his mobility. Roest said he has improved on face-offs and is a strong penalty killer and shot blocker.

"I swear he gets bigger every time I see him," Roest said. "We're very happy with how he adjusted to the AHL. He's a very smart player, competitive, big and strong. He's finding his way. His progression is good."

Projected NHL arrival:2025-26

5. Niko Huuhtanen, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 224 pick in 2021 NHL Draft

2022-23 season: Jukurit (Liiga):48 GP, 17-13-30

The last selection in the 2021 draft, Huuhtanen (6-2, 204) was the rookie of the year in Liiga, Finland's top professional league last season after playing the 2021-22 season with Everett in the Western Hockey League, where he had 77 points (37 goals, 40 assists) in 65 games. The 20-year-old will again play for Jukurit in Finland this season.

"He has to get stronger and get his skating a little stronger," Roest said. "He's gotten in better shape and he's stronger over the last year so that's really helped his game and his skating. We knew his skating was something that had to get better for him to be a pro. It has and it still needs to improve."

Projected NHL arrival:2026-27