The 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship has reached its decisive stage, and three players who once wore Lightning uniforms are now competing for their national teams in the quarterfinals. JJ Moser, Declan Carlile and Noah Steen have each earned a spot in the final eight, bringing with them the experience and skill sets honed under the Tampa Bay organization.
Moser, skating for Switzerland, has been a catalyst for a flawless 7‑0 run, contributing four assists and posting a plus‑11 rating that underscores his defensive reliability and offensive poise.
Across the Atlantic, Carlile dons the colors of Team USA, where his lone goal and two assists have helped the United States to a 3‑1‑0‑3 record in the preliminary round, while his +2 rating reflects a solid two‑way performance.
Norway’s attack leans heavily on Steen, who has erupted for five goals – the second‑most tally in the tournament – and whose seventh‑round draft selection by the Lightning culminated in an entry‑level contract signed earlier this year.
Another Lightning‑affiliated name, Jan Golicic, saw action in all seven games for Slovenia but could not guide his side beyond the preliminary bracket, illustrating the narrow margins that separate advancement from elimination.
Quarter‑Final Landscape
The quarterfinals are slated for Thursday, after which the tournament will progress to the semifinals and ultimately the medal games over the weekend, promising a crescendo of competition that will test the mettle of these former Lightning prospects.