The Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate section follows the AHL's Syracuse Crunch and ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears. Both teams are part of Tampa Bay's development system, so prospect, assignment, recall and organizational stories are grouped with the Lightning. Tampa Bay has been affiliated with the Syracuse Crunch since the 2012-13 season, a partnership extended in 2026 through 2029-30 and one that has produced two Calder Cup Final appearances for Syracuse. The Orlando Solar Bears became the Lightning's ECHL affiliate in 2018-19 and extended that relationship again in 2026. Together, Syracuse and Orlando form a long-running development ladder for Lightning prospects.
The Orlando Solar Bears will bring 19 2026-27 home games to WRDQ-TV Magic TV 27 through a new partnership with Cox Media Group and the Orlando Magic.
The Orlando Solar Bears will hold a preseason pep rally Oct. 10 at AdventHealth Orlando Ice Den ahead of the 2026-27 season, with free swag bags from the Solar Squad.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with forward Brennan Saulnier for the 2026-27 season. The 32-year-old Halifax native brings 164 AHL games, 74 ECHL games and a recent season…
The Tampa Bay Lightning reassigned goaltender Harrison Meneghin to the Orlando Solar Bears after he appeared in 14 games for the ECHL club during the 2025-26 season.
The Orlando Solar Bears re-signed forward Andrew Bruder for the 2026-27 season after he recorded 13 points and 51 penalty minutes in 56 games last season.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with veteran forward Brandon Saigeon for the 2026-27 season after he led all Reading Royals forwards in scoring last season with 39 points.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Syracuse Crunch extended their hockey affiliation through the 2029-30 season after a 14-year partnership that produced 104 shared players and two Calder Cup Finals appearances.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with 26-year-old forward Zach Faremouth for the 2026-27 season after he recorded 21 points in 70 games during the 2025-26 season.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with veteran defenseman Jack Dougherty on a contract for the 2026-27 ECHL season after three seasons in Europe.
The Orlando Solar Bears agreed to terms with forward Brendan Harris for the 2026-27 season after his championship season with the Nottingham Panthers.
