The Tampa Bay Lightning have sent defenseman Declan Carlile back to their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. The 25-year-old has appeared in nine NHL games this season, scoring one goal. General Manager Julien BriseBois made the announcement on December 5, 2025.
Tampa Bay's decision to reassign Carlile comes after he made an impact in limited NHL action. Since his season debut on November 18 against New Jersey, the defenseman from Hartland, Michigan, has suited up for nine games with the Lightning. In those outings, he recorded one goal and a plus-one rating, while averaging 12:53 of ice time per game. Carlile also contributed defensively, blocking eight shots and delivering nine hits, which placed him fifth and tied for sixth among all Tampa Bay skaters in those categories, respectively.
Prior to his NHL call-up, Carlile has been a standout for the Syracuse Crunch this season. In 15 AHL games, he has tallied two goals and 10 points, including eight assists, leading all Crunch defensemen in points, assists (tied), shots on goal (45), and power-play goals (1). Over his career, the undrafted free agent—signed by Tampa Bay on March 16, 2022—has played 210 AHL games, all with Syracuse, accumulating 24 goals, 80 points, 146 penalty minutes, and a plus-52 rating.
This move allows Carlile to continue developing in the American Hockey League while the Lightning manage their roster depth.