NHL Debut: Curtis Douglas (Oct. 9, 2025)

Curtis Douglas achieved a lifelong goal Thursday night, making his NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning at the age of 25. The 6-foot-9, 242-pound forward brings his size and power to the Lightning lineup after being claimed off waivers from the Utah Mammoth ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Originally drafted by the Barrie Colts in the fourth round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Douglas played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League between Barrie and Windsor from 2016 to 2020. He was dealt to the Spitfires midway through his second season in a trade that sent overage forward Aaron Luchuk to the Colts. Across 247 OHL games, the Oakville native recorded 83 goals, 85 assists, and 168 points while developing into one of the league’s most imposing power forwards.

Following his OHL career, Douglas spent parts of four seasons in the American Hockey League with Belleville, Toronto, and Tucson, collecting 97 points and over 500 penalty minutes in 261 games. Known for his work ethic and physical edge, Douglas credits his OHL experience for shaping his approach as a pro.

Now, after years of persistence and growth in the AHL, Douglas earns his shot in the NHL, proof that hard work and patience still pay off.