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Lightning should be excited about Jakob Pelletier's run in AHL

The Lightning forward posted a big night recently for Syracuse, and maybe he could soon be ready to make an impact again in the NHL
ByHarrison Smajovits
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Pelletier is off to another strong run in the AHL
Pelletier is off to another strong run in the AHL | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A forward in the Tampa Bay Lightning system could be seen as someone banging on the door to return to the NHL. 

Over the weekend, Jakob Pelletier picked up his second career AHL hat trick as the Syracuse Crunch demolished the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, 7-2, on Saturday.

His performance was recognized by the league, and he was named the first start of the night for the AHL.

With that game, he now has four goals and three assists for seven points in nine games. 

After a slow start to the season, he’s starting to get back on track. It should be expected. He had a career year last year with Syracuse, posting 28 goals and 77 points in 66 games, earning him the AHL Player of the Year honors. 

He’s still 25 years old. While his early NHL career didn’t go smoothly, he may be showing signs that he's coming into his own.

What Pelletier could bring to Lightning

So far in his NHL career, he’s played in 91 games, tallying 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points. In five games with the Lightning last season, he didn’t make his way onto the scoresheet. 

Is he someone destined to set the world on fire in the NHL? Likely not at this point. It would be cool if the 2019 first-round pick started to show signs of reaching the heights of his draft stock, but we’ll be more realistic. 

He is likely someone who can still make an impact in the NHL, and to a greater extent than before his recent work in Syracuse. Pelletier could be someone who provides real help to the bottom six at some point this season. 

Solid depth is everything. It was the backbone of the Lightning’s Stanley Cup runs.

What might hold him back is that he’s a winger. They have plenty of options in that regard, but if someone gets hurt or underperforms, then he could be ready and waiting. 

Many are in his corner as someone who is being left in the AHL when he could be helping the team now. It's fine. The Lightning have been winning. They're operating an 11-forward offense right now. Pelletier can keep getting work in until the right time comes.

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