The Tampa Bay Lightning have strengthened their forward lineup by claiming Curtis Douglas off waivers from the Utah Mammoth. The 25-year-old center is expected to add depth to the team as they approach the 2025-26 NHL season.
Curtis Douglas: Career Overview
Curtis Douglas, standing at six feet nine inches tall, has not yet made his NHL debut. He was initially selected by the Dallas Stars as the 106th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Douglas has played five seasons in the AHL, representing various teams, including the:
- Belleville Senators
- Toronto Marlies
- Tucson Roadrunners
During the 2024-25 season with the Tucson Roadrunners, he recorded:
- 10 goals
- 23 points
- 117 penalty minutes in 63 games
Throughout his AHL career, Douglas has accumulated a total of:
- 37 goals
- 97 points
- 508 penalty minutes in 261 games
Junior and European Experience
Before entering the professional ranks, Douglas played in the OHL for four seasons. He suited up for the:
- Barrie Colts
- Windsor Spitfires
During the 2020-21 season, which was canceled due to the pandemic, he played for the Linz Steel Wings in Austria’s AlpsHL.
Future Prospects with the Lightning
Douglas is likely to spend a significant amount of time with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. His size and playing style will contribute to the Lightning’s ambition to regain their status as Florida’s premier team.
In the previous season, the Lightning finished second in the Atlantic Division, while the Crunch placed third in the North Division. Both teams were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Upcoming Matches
The Lightning will kick off their 2025-26 NHL regular season on October 9 against the Ottawa Senators, a former team of Douglas. Meanwhile, the Syracuse Crunch will commence their season on October 11 against the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals.
