Tampa Bay Lightning sign Kole Lind to PTO ahead of camp

Quick answers

What is the purpose of Kole Lind's PTO with the Lightning?

Kole Lind's professional tryout (PTO) with the Tampa Bay Lightning allows him to compete for a spot on the team's roster during training camp. If successful, he could secure a position within the Lightning organization or with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

How did Kole Lind perform before joining the Lightning?

Before joining the Lightning, Kole Lind spent the past two seasons with the Texas Stars in the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 35 points in 70 games last season. His productivity in the AHL has been consistent, contrasting with his limited NHL opportunities.

Kole Lind joins Lightning on a tryout basis

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Kole Lind to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) for their upcoming training camp. This move aims to bolster forward depth as the team prepares for the season.

Lind, who is 27 years old, has not seen significant NHL action recently. Being drafted 33rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2017 NHL Draft, he had productive junior years but has struggled to secure a permanent role in the NHL.

Lind’s past NHL experiences

After wrapping up his junior career with the Kelowna Rockets, Lind transitioned to the professional level with the Utica Comets in the AHL. He had a solid debut season with five goals and 17 points in 51 games.

His follow-up year showed promise as he scored 14 goals and 44 points in 61 games. However, injuries, including a broken nose, hampered his development, and he eventually found himself promoted to the taxi squad by Vancouver, making limited NHL appearances.

Recent performance in the AHL

Lind’s production in the AHL has been significantly better. After his time with the Canucks, he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft. While in the Kraken organization, he managed two goals and eight points in 24 NHL games.

Primarily, Lind excelled at the AHL level, racking up 98 goals and 249 points in 328 games since the 2021-22 season. His scoring ability makes him a valuable asset for any team, and he brings experience that could be beneficial for the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

Competition for a roster spot

Despite his experience and proven AHL success, securing a spot on Tampa Bay’s opening night roster will be challenging for Lind. The Lightning already possess several forwards with greater value.

Nonetheless, if he does not make the NHL squad, Lind could still provide much-needed offensive support for the Crunch, who tied for eighth in scoring last season. The Lightning’s decision regarding his future will hinge on his performance throughout training camp.

For related context, see latest NHL injury updates.

Reporting for this story draws on Pro Hockey Rumors, Daily Faceoff.

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