The second day of the 2026 NHL Draft unfolded in Buffalo, New York, where the Tampa Bay Lightning added six prospects to their growing pipeline of talent. The selections came as the franchise looked to reinforce its depth and inject fresh energy into the organization.
Forward Oleg Kulebiakin headlined the Lightning’s trade‑up strategy, moving up to the 52nd overall pick in the second round. The Russian native arrives after a breakout campaign with the Halifax Mooseheads, where he recorded 29 goals and 73 points in 64 games.
Kulebiakin, a 20‑year‑old from St. Petersburg, is committed to joining the University of Massachusetts for the 2027‑28 season, a move that could see him develop further in the NCAA before turning professional.
The Lightning also secured defenseman Tomas Kralovic with the 26th pick of the third round. The Slovakian blue‑liner contributed six goals and 31 points in 52 games for Bratislava Slovan and earned a spot on Slovakia’s roster at the 2025 World Junior Championships.
Key Selections
Swedish forward Morgan Anderberg, chosen in the fifth round, brings a stint with the Vaxjo Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League. In 39 appearances he posted two goals and three points, showcasing his offensive versatility.
With their second pick of the fifth round, Tampa Bay drafted Cooper Soller, the United States Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year. Soller tallied 26 goals and 49 points in 62 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede, highlighting his potential at the next level.
The Lightning then selected goaltender Stephan Shurygin from the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League. Over 59 games he posted a 3.79 goals‑against average and a .888 save percentage, numbers that suggest a promising future between the pipes.
Finally, the franchise closed the draft by picking defenseman Max Vilen with the 218th overall selection. Vilen, a QMJHL product, adds size and defensive reliability to the organization’s prospect pool.