Lightning prospect Lucas Edmonds easing into training camp with injury
BRANDON — Lightning forward Lucas Edmonds, one of the organization’s most intriguing prospects, is recovering from a lower-body injury suffered in the Southeast Rookie Showcase last week in Estero.
The injury is preventing him from being a full participant at the beginning of training camp.
Edmonds, Tampa Bay’s third-round pick in the 2022 draft, is coming off a 15-goal, 27-point campaign in his first full season at AHL Syracuse.
He wore a red no-contact jersey when the Lightning practiced for the first time Thursday at TGH Ice Plex.
“Just kind of getting back to 100% right now,” Edmonds said. “I just want to be smart about things, you know, like this time of year, (you) don’t want it to kind of drag on longer than it has to.”
Edmonds said he pulled a muscle when a skate got caught on the ice but he didn’t expect to be held back for long.
“Coming into camp, everyone wants to put their best foot forward. So it’s definitely a little bit of a setback,” he said. “It’s obviously not what you want. But I think I should be probably back in the next few days. So, hopefully once I’m back … I’m able to showcase myself then.”
Edmonds is one of the players the Lightning would like to give a longer look during the seven preseason games to see if he can work his way onto the list of potential AHL callups.
Forward Daniel Walker (ACL) also wore a red no-contact jersey. Forward Jack Finley (shoulder) and defenseman Dyllan Gill (shoulder) wore red socks as they work their way back from injuries.
Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieintheYard.
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