A camp brimming with future NHL prospects
The Tampa Bay Lightning held its 2026 development camp in Brandon, Florida, gathering a diverse group of prospects from North America, Europe and Canada. The event served as a proving ground for players eyeing professional contracts, with coaches and staff evaluating both skill and character.
Caleb Heil, a goaltender who earned USA Hockey’s Dave Peterson Goaltender of the Year award, attended the camp before committing to the University of North Dakota. Heil’s standout performance in junior hockey positioned him as one of the camp’s most highly regarded net‑minders.
Defenseman Grant Spada used the camp to highlight his recent offensive surge in the OHL, where he recorded six goals and 21 points. Spada said the experience helped him focus on improving his skating and puck‑handling ahead of the next season.
Forward Hagen Burrows contributed to Denver University’s NCAA Division I national championship before announcing his transfer to the University of Notre Dame for the 2026‑27 season. His collegiate trajectory reflects a blend of championship experience and academic ambition.
Marco Mignosa, a winger who posted 89 points for the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, also committed to Penn State University. The prospect’s blend of offensive production and collegiate readiness added depth to the Lightning’s forward pool.
The camp also welcomed other notable participants such as JP Cote, Pat Maroon and Jan Špunar, each bringing distinct experiences from European leagues and Canadian junior circuits.
Beyond individual stories, the camp underscored the Lightning’s strategy of scouting talent across multiple platforms, from the United States Hockey League to European academies. The organization emphasized player development, cultural integration and the preparation of prospects for the rigors of professional hockey.