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Dylan Duke, a Michigan forward, signs a three-year deal with the Lightning.

TAMPA — The Lightning have inked a three-year entry-level NHL deal with Dylan Duke, a prominent prospect from Michigan, as announced by the team on Monday.

Duke, aged 21, recently wrapped up his junior year at Michigan, contributing to the team’s journey to the Frozen Four. Serving as an alternate captain, Duke earned recognition as an All-Big Ten second-team member, tallying 26 goals and 49 points across 41 games. Notably, he netted two goals, including the decisive one, in a 5-2 victory over Michigan State in the regional final, propelling his team to the Frozen Four, where they were eventually defeated by Boston College in the semifinals.

Effective from the 2024–25 season onwards, Duke’s contract has been sealed, but he will commence his stint with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate in Syracuse this week, engaging in the remainder of their season through an amateur tryout.

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 181 pounds, Duke was selected by the Lightning in the fourth round (126th overall) of the 2021 draft, following two years with the United States National Development Program team. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Team USA’s bronze medal triumph at the 2023 World Juniors, contributing a goal and four assists in seven games, besides securing three goals in five games during the 2021 World Under-18 championships.