Declan Carlile recalled by Tampa to the NHL roster

Former Merrimack defenseman Declan Carlile was recalled to the Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this week and made his NHL season debut on Tuesday night, contributing in a win over the New Jersey Devils.

Carlile, 25, arrived in Tampa riding a strong start in the AHL with Syracuse. Through 15 games, he posted 10 points — nearly matching last season’s total of 16 — and had established himself as the Crunch’s top-scoring defenseman.

A steady presence during his collegiate days, Carlile appeared in 83 games for Merrimack from 2019–22. He was selected to wear an “A” for Syracuse last season and again this year.

Carlile logged 12 minutes in Tuesday’s victory over New Jersey. He appeared in four games for Tampa over the last two seasons and has one goal.