A number that lingers
The countdown to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2026‑27 season is now measured in days, and among the many storylines the franchise carries a subtle but persistent thread: the number 67. Since the mid‑2010s, three different skaters have worn that digit, each leaving a distinct imprint on the team’s recent history.
For fans, the numeral is more than a jersey tag; it is a reminder of role players who stepped onto the ice during moments of need, of prospects who chased a dream, and of journeymen who seized a fleeting chance to contribute.
Benoit Pouliot's brief flash
Benoit Pouliot arrived in Tampa Bay as a highly touted prospect, but the expectations of a top‑line scorer never fully materialized. By the time he donned the Lightning’s sweater in the 2013‑14 campaign, he had settled into a depth role, contributing eight goals and 20 points across 34 games. Though his stay was short, Pouliot’s stint introduced the number 67 to the roster, planting the seed for what would follow.
Mitchell Stephens and the AHL return
A half‑decade later, Mitchell Stephens inherited the jersey for the 2019‑20 season. Over 45 appearances he managed three goals and seven points, numbers that reflected a player still searching for consistency at the NHL level. After his Lightning tenure, Stephens moved to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, where he continues to develop his game.
Declan Carlile's next chapter
The most recent chapter belongs to Declan Carlile, who wore 67 during the 2025‑26 season amid a wave of injuries that forced the Lightning to rely on depth talent. Carlile stepped up, shouldering a larger role than his predecessors, and his performance earned a fresh contract this summer with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His move illustrates how the number can travel with a player, marking each new chapter in a professional journey.