Tampa Bay Lightning Place Forward Curtis Douglas on Waivers Ahead of Deadline

The Tampa Bay Lightning placed forward Curtis Douglas on waivers Thursday ahead of Friday's 3 p.m. NHL Trade Deadline. The move creates additional roster flexibility as the Atlantic Division leaders position themselves to add depth for a playoff run.

If Douglas clears waivers, he is expected to be assigned to AHL Syracuse. That gives the Lightning an open spot on their powerhouse roster that head coach Jon Cooper could use to bring in some fresh names and push for the playoffs while adding to their blue line.

Curtis Douglas Brings His Physical Presence in Limited Role

Despite his size, Douglas has been mostly used as an enforcer so far by the Lightning. With 92 penalty minutes across 29 games, the 25-year-old leads the franchise in PIMs. Cooper has gone with a top-heavy approach so far this season and the forward hasn’t seen much use beyond that.

Despite this, his 6’9”, 242-pound frame makes him one of the best choices for teams looking to add some grit to their front line. Tampa Bay themselves would like to add someone with more playoff experience to their forward corps but Douglas can play the enforcer role for teams going for a more offensive approach.

Douglas recorded two assists, 17 shots on goal and 32 hits in his 29 games this season. While he has shown flashes of offensive upside during AHL stints, that production has not carried over to the NHL level.

Tampa Bay assigned Douglas to Syracuse on a conditioning stint in January before recalling him to the NHL roster. The move allowed him to maintain game fitness and work on his offensive game in the minors.

His return to the Lightning lineup proved temporary as the organization now looks to create space for more pressing roster needs. Douglas will head back to Syracuse if he passes through waivers unclaimed by another organization.

The young center has demonstrated offensive potential in the AHL throughout his development but has struggled to translate that success to the NHL. His primary value at the top level has centered on physical play and enforcing rather than skill-based contributions.

As for the Lightning, the team has been going through a sudden slump since the season resumed from the Olympic Break. In their last five games, the franchise has lost their last four and their defensive struggles have been exposed against the likes of Minnesota and Buffalo.

While they still hold the number one spot in the Atlantic Division, the Sabres have already tied them in points. Cooper understands that despite Lightning having two games in hand, things can take a wrong turn if its defensive struggles continue.

With the deadline approaching, the organization appears focused on adding pieces that can contribute during a deep postseason run. Clearing Douglas from the roster provides both cap flexibility and an open spot for potential incoming talent through trade.

The franchise has failed to regain the same dominance since its Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. This season, they look re-energized and have the chance to make another deep playoff run. And offloading some names is essential for that.


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