Earlier this month, Lucas Mercuri informed the Hurricanes that he wouldn’t be signing with them. It didn’t take Carolina long to find a team that the center was amenable to joining, as the Lightning announced that they acquired the prospect for a 2025 sixth-round pick and signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal, which begins next season, were not disclosed.
The 23-year-old was a sixth-round pick by the Hurricanes back in 2020, going 159th overall. In essence, they’re going to land a pick that’s somewhat close to what they originally used on him which isn’t the worst return for a player who doesn’t want to sign with a team. It wasn’t disclosed why Mercuri didn’t want to sign with Carolina.
Mercuri just wrapped up his college career with UMass, saving his best season for last. In 40 games for the Minutemen this season, he notched 10 goals and 21 assists, both personal bests while finishing fifth on the team in scoring. Over his four-year career with them, he recorded 28 goals and 57 assists in 148 games.
While Mercuri’s contract won’t start until next season, he will be able to get a head start on his professional career. As part of the acquisition announcement, the Lightning revealed that he has signed a tryout deal with AHL Syracuse and will play with them for the rest of the season.