James scored a power-play goal on four shots and added two hits in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Canadiens in Game 7.
James ended the playoffs on a three-game point streak (two goals, one assist). The 23-year-old added 12 shots on net, 10 hits and a minus-4 rating over seven postseason contests. James put up 15 points across 43 regular-season outings and should be in the mix for bottom-six minutes heading into 2026-27.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Nets first NHL playoff goal
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James scored a goal Wednesday in a 3-2 loss to the Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
It was James' first career NHL playoff goal. He tied the game 1-1 early in the second period on a 2-on-1 rush. He wired a snap shot under Jakub Dobes' glove from the right circle. James is skating in a third-line role in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, adding five shots on net, seven hits and three blocked shots through five outings. He delivered seven goals, eight assists, 56 shots, 58 hits and 139 faceoff wins (50.4 percent) in 43 regular-season games.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Activated ahead of postseason
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James (lower body) was activated from long-term injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL media site.
James is back ahead of schedule for the Lightning as the 23-year-old was given a timeline of 8-10 weeks in early March after undergoing surgery. He had 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 games played during the regular season. If he suits up in Game 1 against the Canadiens on Sunday, it would be the rookie's first game since Feb. 28.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Shifts to injured reserve
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James (leg) was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports.
The move to put James on IR freed up a roster spot for the Bolts to add Conor Geekie in a corresponding move. Already ruled out for the next two games, the 23-year-old James should probably be expected to miss the entire four-game road trip now that he is on injured reserve.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Set to miss next two games
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James (leg) will be unavailable for Tampa Bay's next two contests, though it could be longer, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports Monday.
James was finding his offensive game prior to getting hurt, generating three goals and one assist in his last seven outings. With Gage Goncalves (undisclosed) also on the shelf, the Lightning will need to either call up a forward from the minors or roll with seven defensemen heading into the next two games.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Tickles twine in loss
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James scored a goal on four shots in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Hurricanes.
James has three goals and three helpers over his last 11 outings. The 23-year-old has been an effective and versatile forward for the Lightning as a rookie this season, moving around the lineup as necessary. He's at six goals, eight assists, 55 shots on net, 56 hits and a plus-4 rating through 42 appearances. James' ice time will likely drop once Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) is ready to return.
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Lightning's Dominic James: First goal in nine games
Rotowire
James scored a goal in a 7-3 win over the Sharks on Saturday.
It was the rookie's first goal in nine games. James' ice time dropped on Tampa Bay's three-game road trip. He centers the fourth line, and given the league-wide depth at that position, his fantasy value is limited at this time. He has three goals, five assists, 36 hits and 26 shots through 26 games this season.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Two assists in win
Rotowire
James picked up two assists in a 6-4 win over Carolina on Saturday.
James has seven points, including five assists, in 22 games this season. He also has 31 hits. James is a sixth-round pick playing in his first NHL season. It's a nice story for the 23-year-old, but he's not fantasy-worthy at this point.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Nearing return
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James (undisclosed) fully participated in Friday's practice, per Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.
It remains to be seen if James will be in the lineup Saturday versus the Islanders, but at a minimum, he seems very close to returning. The 23-year-old has two goals and five points in 19 appearances this season. James should serve in a bottom-six capacity once he's ready.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Still out Thursday
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James (undisclosed) will miss Thursday's game versus the Devils, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
James is out of the lineup for a third straight game. The Lightning have not provided an update on his status, but they haven't made a roster move regarding James either, which suggests he's still considered day-to-day. His next chance to play is Saturday versus the Islanders.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Pretty goal in loss
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James scored a goal in a 2-1 loss to the Islanders on Tuesday.
James curled out from below the goal line and wired a wrist shot at a sharp angle that went in off Ilya Sorokin's glove. It was the rookie's first goal in nine games and first point in eight. James has played in 17 games this season, averaging 12:28 with three goals, three assists, 18 shots and 27 shots in a fourth-line role.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Receives call-up
Rotowire
James was recalled from AHL Syracuse on Wednesday.
James will be an option for Thursday's game versus the Blackhawks, but it's unclear if he'll be in the lineup. He has five points over his first four games with the Crunch this year. If he makes the lineup, he'll likely be in a bottom-six role.
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Lightning's Dominic James: Sent to minors
Rotowire
James (undisclosed) was assigned to AHL Syracuse on Monday.
James has recovered from an injury he sustained during training camp and will start the 2025-26 campaign in the minors. The 23-year-old forward had 14 goals and 30 points in 35 NCAA appearances for the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2024-25.
