The Tampa Bay Lightning announced earlier today they have re-signed Declan Carlile to a two-year, two-way contract. The 24-year-old defenseman was signed by the Lightning on March 16, 2022, as an undrafted free agent after finishing three years at Merrimack College. Since signing with the Bolts, Carlile has seen 140 regular season games with Tampa’s AHL affiliate, Syracuse Crunch, posting 16 goals and 54 points with a plus-40 rating.
Last season, Carlile appeared in 61 games for the Crunch, posting 27 points (7g-20a). His 20 assists were a career high. He was tied for first among defensemen on the team in goals and second in assists as well as plus/minus with a plus-10. During the Calder Cup Playoffs, Carlile appeared in eight games, recording one goal and four assists for five points, which was third among all skaters on the Crunch. Carlile made his NHL debut with the Lightning on January 4, 2024, against the Minnesota Wild. Carlile had two shot blocks, one hit, and was a plus-one for the game with 11:27 time on ice.
Before his professional hockey career, Carlile was a huge piece to Merrimack College. In three years at the college, Carlile played in 83 games, logging 43 assists and 56 points. Carlile was named to the NCAA Hockey East All-Rookie Team and NCAA Hockey East Rookie of the Year Finalist his freshman year. During his sophomore and junior seasons, Carlile was an NCAA Hobey Baker Award Nominee for top collegiate player. He was also named to the NCAA Hockey East Second All-Star Team and NCAA Walter Brown Award semifinalist for the best American-born college player in New England in his junior year.
