Former Michigan forward Dylan Duke could be making his NHL debut about 40 miles from where he played college hockey.
The Tampa Bay Lightning called up Duke from American Hockey League affiliate Syracuse Crunch on Friday. There’s a good chance the 2021 fourth-round pick will be in Tampa Bay’s lineup Saturday afternoon when it faces the Detroit Red Wings at 1 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
Saturday could be a special day in Detroit for the Duke family. Dylan’s younger brother, Tyler Duke, is a junior defenseman for the Wolverines, who will play No. 2 Michigan State at 8 p.m. in the annual Duel in the D at LCA.
Dylan, 21, took part in the rivalry matchup at LCA each of the past three seasons before forgoing his senior year and turning pro. The 5-foot-10, 177-pound Ohio native has 13 goals and nine assists and is a plus-6 in 36 games this season for the Crunch.
He was instrumental in helping Michigan reach the Frozen Four the last three years, registering 53 goals and 45 assists in 122 games.
The Lightning (29-20-4) and Red Wings (28-21-5) are separated by one point entering Saturday’s crucial Atlantic Division matchup.
