This is a very fun time of the year to watch teams hoping to make their way to championship accolades. So far, many Tampa Bay prospects have taken on leading roles for their teams’ postseason runs. Because of my proximity to their schools, I have noticed in particular the play of Michigan’s Dylan Duke (4th round pick in 2021, 126th overall) and Michigan State’s Isaac Howard (1st round in 2022, 31st overall). Duke and Howard each averaged over a point per game in their regular seasons. Also, both have been key contributors to their clubs’ postseason success: Howard helped lead the Spartans to their first Big Ten tournament title last month, and Duke recorded a four-goal performance this past weekend to propel Michigan to college hockey’s Frozen Four.
Turning to the major junior scene, Ethan Gauthier (2nd round pick in 2023, 37th overall) finished third in the QMJHL in scoring with 71 points (36 G 35 A) for Drummondville. Thus far in Drummondville’s first round series against Saint John, Gauthier has recorded 5 points (2 G 3 A), including a 4-point effort (1 G 3 A) in game one. The Voltigeurs currently have a 3-0 series lead over the Sea Dogs.