The run on college prospects continues, as the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed Ryan Lohin to a two-year entry-level contract. Lohin recently finished his junior season at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, but will skip his senior year in order to turn pro. Lohin’s deal will kick in next season and he will report to the Syracuse Crunch on an amateur tryout for the rest of this year.
Originally selected in the seventh round of the 2016 draft, Lohin had quite the college career. Breaking onto the scene with 29 points in his freshman year and being a big part of a Hockey East title, the American-born center followed that up with two more solid offensive seasons. He was named captain prior to the 2018-19 season, and led the team in scoring with 27 points.
The fact that a seventh-round pick has earned an NHL contract is another testament to the Lightning scouting staff, who have repeatedly turned late selections into assets for the organization. Even if Lohin never suits up at the highest level—something that is far from determined given his work ethic and development over the past few seasons—the 22-year old will have a home with the Crunch where he can continue to provide his solid two-way hockey.