The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a significant roster adjustment by placing center Jack Finley on waivers. This strategic move allows other NHL teams to claim Finley within a 24-hour period.
Details of the Waiver Placement
As of Friday, Jack Finley, a 23-year-old player, has cleared waivers and is now available for any team to claim. The waiver priority is based on the inverse of the league’s standings, which means the Vancouver Canucks have the first opportunity to acquire him.
Potential Outcomes
- If claimed, Finley will join the new team.
- If he clears waivers, the Lightning plan to assign him to the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.
Finley’s Background and Career Progression
Jack Finley is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and he developed his junior career primarily with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. During the 2019-20 season, he tallied 19 goals and 38 assists, totaling 57 points in 61 games, which led him to be drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
In his final junior season (2021-22), Finley was traded from Spokane to the Winnipeg Ice, contributing significantly with seven goals and six assists in 15 playoff games. He transitioned to professional hockey in the 2022-23 season, where he recorded 12 goals and nine assists in 67 games with Syracuse.
Performance Metrics
| Season | League | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | WHL | 61 | 19 | 38 | 57 |
| 2021-22 | WHL | 15 (playoffs) | 7 | 6 | 13 |
| 2022-23 | AHL | 67 | 12 | 9 | 21 |
| 2023-24 | NHL | 22 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Throughout his AHL career, which spans 164 games, Finley has accumulated 40 goals and 44 assists for a total of 84 points. He is currently in the first season of a three-year contract valued at $2.325 million and is slated to become a restricted free agent following the 2027-28 season.
Looking Ahead
The Tampa Bay Lightning will face the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 25th, following the Olympic break. The outcome of Finley’s waiver situation could impact the team’s lineup as they prepare for this match.
