Ex-Lightning Prospect Finds New Home

This former Lightning prospect has picked his new home.

Late last month, the Tampa Bay Lightning terminated forward Ilya Usau's contract. The expectation was that he would head back to the KHL, and that has now come to fruition.

Dinamo Minsk of the KHL has announced that they have signed Usau to a contract. 

Usau, 22, played two seasons with Dinamo Minsk before signing his entry-level contract with the Lightning back in 2022. He notably had a big year with the KHL squad before signing his ELC, as he posted new career highs with nine goals, 17 assists, and 26 points in 40 games. It was a big step in the right direction for the youngster, as he had just three goals and six points in 56 games for them in 2020-21. 

Due to Usau's past success with Dinamo Minsk, it is fair to say that they are excited to have the 6-foot-1 forward back. He will once again look to be a key offensive contributor on their roster.

In 99 games over two seasons with the Syracuse Crunch, Usau had 11 goals and 30 points. He never appeared in an NHL game for the Bolts. 

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