New opportunity given to former second-round pick who signs PTO with Tampa Bay Lightning
Photo credit: USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay has signed veteran forward Kole Lind to a professional tryout agreement as training camp opens for the 2026-27 season.
The Lightning added some extra scoring depth to their training camp mix this week, agreeing to terms with Kole Lind on a professional tryout.
The move gives the 27 year old winger a shot to crack an NHL lineup for the first time since appearing in one game during the 2023-24 season.
Lind spent last year in the minors, putting up 11 goals and 35 points in 70 games with the Texas Stars of the AHL.
He also added 95 penalty minutes, showing he is not afraid to play with an edge.
Dallas moved on from him over the summer, and he now becomes a free agent looking for a fresh start in Tampa Bay.
A winding road through the NHL
Lind was originally a second round pick, taken 33rd overall by Vancouver back in 2017.
He has bounced between the Canucks, the Seattle Kraken and the Dallas Stars organization since turning pro, picking up 31 career NHL games along the way without ever locking down a permanent roster spot.
Across 454 AHL games he has racked up 122 goals and 319 points, numbers that show he can still find the net at the minor league level.
What it means for the Lightning
Tampa Bay is not committing any real money here, since a PTO comes with no guaranteed contract attached.
If Lind impresses over the next few weeks of camp, the Lightning could reward him with a two-way deal before the regular season starts.
If not, he will likely look for another tryout elsewhere.
Either way, it is a low risk look at a player who still has some untapped offensive upside left in the tank.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Oilers may need to reverse Alex Formenton signing after mounting problem
Oilers may need to reverse Alex Formenton signing after mounting problem