Forward Dylan Duke will get another appearance with the Lightning in the preseason. He will not be included in the opening night squad after being held out of camp on Sunday, but he has been recalled ahead of tonight’s friendly against the Panthers, the team announced.

The 21-year-old is scheduled to play most of his first professional season with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL, but there’s a good chance he’ll be at the top of Tampa’s list for midseason call-ups. His performance in today’s competition will likely go a long way toward determining that.

The Ohio native was a fourth-round pick in 2021 and played the last three seasons on a star-studded University of Michigan squad. He increased his production every year, peaking with 26 goals, 23 assists and 49 points in 41 games in 2023-24. He finished third on the team in scoring behind the Blue Jackets. Gavin Brindley and the penguins Rutger McGroarty and earned a spot on the Big 10 Conference Second All-Star Team.

Duke joined the Crunch in the final games of the regular season and playoffs, totaling two assists and a -1 rating in eight contests. After a summer of training, he will look to make a much bigger impact on offense. The sharpshooter is under contract through 2026-27 and can play both left wing and center, although he will likely play on the first wing if he gets a full-time role in the NHL.