The Tampa Bay Lightning are gearing up for their 2026 Development Camp, set to kick off on Monday, June 29. This annual event, a staple in the Lightning's calendar, is all about nurturing the next wave of hockey talent. It starts with on-ice testing and wraps up with an exciting 3-on-3 tournament on Thursday and Friday, a fan favorite for those who love seeing future stars in action.
This year's camp is packed with promise, featuring top prospects, recent NHL Draft picks, and a few special invitees. Among the fresh faces are the Lightning’s 2025 draft class, including Ethan Czata, Aiden Foster, Everett Baldwin, Marco Mignosa, Grant Spada, and promising goaltender Caleb Heil. Each of these players brings something unique to the table, and the camp is their chance to shine and show how they can fit into the Lightning’s future plans.
One name that stands out is O’Reilly, who recently made history in the OHL by appearing in four consecutive championship series. His remarkable consistency and skill have already caught the eye of Lightning GM Julien BriseBois.
"The way he plays the game already, even a small sample we got in training camp, tells me he probably won’t need that much time in order to be able to come here and contribute, because he already plays a pro-style game," BriseBois noted. It's clear that O'Reilly has a mature game, one that could transition smoothly to the professional level once he adapts to the NHL's pace and physicality.
The camp’s preliminary roster includes 19 players: 12 forwards, four defensemen, and three goaltenders. And for those who can't make it in person, there's good news. Fans can catch all the action from the 3-on-3 tournament live and for free on the Lightning App and The Spot Tampa Bay 66, making it easier than ever to follow the development of these young talents.
As the 2026 NHL Draft wraps up on Saturday, expect some late additions to the roster, adding even more excitement and potential to an already promising lineup. This development camp is more than just practice; it’s a glimpse into the future of the Lightning, and it’s looking bright.
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There are still reasons he fell that far, most notably questions about his defensive quickness, but the appeal is easy to see for a team that likes to mine value late. Vilen also has a path that could move faster than many draft picks, with a chance to turn pro soon after his current season ends, which makes him one of the more intriguing names in this class to watch over the next few months. [Read more 🡒]