The Lightning have recalled forward Gabriel Szturc from AHL Syracuse ahead of tonight’s preseason contest against the Hurricanes, the team announced. He’ll get one more look in exhibition play after being sent to the minors last Sunday.
Szturc, 21, landed a three-year, entry-level deal with Tampa as an undrafted free agent back in March and is set to play out his first season of pro hockey in Syracuse beginning this month. The Czech center/left-winger had spent the last three seasons in North America playing major junior hockey with the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, whom he captained during his overage season in 2023-24. He finished last season with 33 goals, 50 assists, and 83 points in 62 games, finishing third on the team in scoring behind Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall and Utah first-rounder Tij Iginla.
He may have been passed over in a pair of drafts, but the 5’11”, 194-lb forward is a well-rounded offensive threat, and it’s not entirely surprising to see him get another look this late in training camp. Szturc was among Czechia’s best players during their silver medal win at the 2023 World Juniors, finishing second on the team in scoring with five goals and eight points in seven games.
His showing tonight among a decently NHL-heavy Bolts lineup will go a long way toward determining his standing in the pecking order for a mid-season recall.