Jakob Pelletier Recalled by Lightning After Dominant AHL Stretch
The Tampa Bay Lightning are bringing some serious firepower back into the fold. Forward Jakob Pelletier has been recalled from the Syracuse Crunch, the team’s AHL affiliate, after a standout run that’s turned heads across the league.
Pelletier, 24, made his Lightning debut earlier this season on November 15, logging just over six minutes of ice time. But it’s what he’s done in the AHL that’s earned him another shot at the NHL level.
In 35 games with the Crunch, Pelletier has been one of the league’s most productive players-racking up 19 goals and 41 points. That puts him third overall in the AHL for points and tied for sixth in goals.
Simply put, he’s been electric.
He’s not just padding stats either-Pelletier is leading Syracuse in goals, points, and shorthanded goals (2), while also sitting second on the team in assists (22) and power-play goals (6). His all-around game has been so strong that he earned a nod to the AHL All-Star Game, a well-deserved recognition for a player who’s clearly elevated his game.
At 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, Pelletier might not be the biggest guy on the ice, but his impact has been anything but small. Over the course of his AHL career-spanning 174 games with the Crunch, Calgary Wranglers, and Stockton Heat-he’s put up 70 goals and 171 points, while also posting an impressive plus-48 rating. He’s been a consistent weapon on the power play too, notching 24 goals with the man advantage.
Pelletier’s NHL résumé includes 87 games across stints with the Lightning, Flyers, and Flames. He’s tallied 11 goals and 29 points at the top level, with a plus-3 rating and three game-winners on his record. While he’s yet to fully carve out a permanent role in the NHL, his recent performance suggests he’s ready for more than just a cameo.
Originally a first-round pick (26th overall) by Calgary in the 2019 NHL Draft, Pelletier joined Tampa Bay as a free agent on July 2, 2025. Since then, he’s made a strong case that he belongs in the Lightning’s plans moving forward.
With Tampa Bay looking to fine-tune its roster in the thick of the season, Pelletier’s recall could inject some fresh energy into the lineup. He’s proven he can dominate at the AHL level-now the question is whether he can translate that production to the big stage.
One thing’s for sure: if Pelletier brings the same pace, playmaking, and scoring touch he’s shown in Syracuse, he won’t be heading back down anytime soon.