Lightning prospect Dylan Duke to make NHL debut on Saturday against Red Wings
A former college star is set to make his NHL debut in familiar surroundings.
Forward Dylan Duke will be appearing in the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup for the first time on Saturday afternoon when the team visits the Detroit Red Wings.
Dylan Duke taking his rookie lap ahead of his NHL debut.
I previously spoke to him about his emotions surrounding his debut and, while he is absolutely thrilled for this opportunity, he also knows that a game is a game and he has to be ready for it.
“Just excitement. It's a… pic.twitter.com/Jn2eDKrfQ2
Tampa called up Duke from its American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, on Friday.
Duke told Lightning reporter Gabby Shirley that he’s ready for the big moment.
“Just excitement,” Duke said. “It’s a hockey game and, at the end of the day, you got to go out and do your best and try to help the team win so you got to put all of those emotions aside and go out and do your job.”
Duke was originally taken by the Lightning in the fourth round, 126th overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft. After a solid career with the U.S. National Team Development Program, the Strongsville, Ohio native went on to play three seasons with the University of Michigan. Along with winning two Big Ten Conference Championships, Duke was a big part of the Wolverine team that made it to the NCAA Frozen Four last spring.
After rounding out the 2023-24 season with a few games with the Crunch, Duke has been a solid scorer during his rookie campaign. In 36 games thus far, the 5-foot-10 center leads the team with 13 goals, good for tied for sixth among AHL freshmen. He also sits tied for third on the Syracuse roster with 22 points.
Little Caesars Arena is a familiar place for the 21-year-old. During his time at Michigan, which included two seasons playing alongside his younger brother, Tyler, the Wolverines annually would play rival Michigan State in Hockeytown in the ‘Duel in the D.’ To make it even more full circle, Tyler and Michigan are set to face the Spartans later on Saturday night at LCA.
Along with his college accolades, Duke also has some accomplishments on the international level. He was named one of the United States’ three best players ate the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship, as well as taking home the silver medal at the 2019 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.
The Lightning (29-20-24) are third in the Atlantic Division, seven points behind the first-place Florida Panthers.