Tampa Bay Lightning unexpectedly terminate young player
A new report from James Mirtle of The Athletic has confirmed that the Tampa Bay Lightning have suddenly released one of their prospects.
Today James Mirtle took to X to announce that the Tampa Bay Lightning had released Ilya Usau. The 22-year-old had spent the last two seasons in the organization trying to carve out a role to make the NHL. He is now expected to head to the KHL in Russia.
Lighting placed Ilya Usau on waivers. Unconditional.
Headed back to KHL I believe.
Headed back to KHL I believe.
WAIVERS: The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed C Ilya Usau on unconditional waivers, on the purpose of contract termination.
During his time in North America, Ilya Usau played exclusively in the AHL. In 99 games he tallied a total of 30 points in the AHL over two seasons.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed on a Mutual Contract Termination with Ilya Usau (F)
Usua, 22, Notched 7 goals, 7 Asissts, for 14 Points with the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL
He was an Undrafted Free Agent signed by Tampa in 2022.
Usua, 22, Notched 7 goals, 7 Asissts, for 14 Points with the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL
He was an Undrafted Free Agent signed by Tampa in 2022.
At just 22 Ilya Usua still has a bright future ahead of him in hockey. He will now head to Russia and likely play in the KHL. If he has success there he could find himself back in the NHL someday.
Source: House Of Hockey - Tampa Bay Lightning terminate young prospect Ilya Usau
| POLL | ||
MAI 25 | 66 ANSWERS Tampa Bay Lightning unexpectedly terminate young player Will Ilya Usau end up returning to the NHL in the future? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 31.8 % |
| No | 45 | 68.2 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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