The Tampa Bay Lightning's seventh-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is on the move.
Marco Mignosa announced his commitment to Penn State University, the home of projected first overall selection Gavin McKenna, for the 2026-27 season on Friday:
The 21-year-old forward had a strong season with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League this season, finishing with 35 goals and 89 points in 65 games. He shined even more in the postseason, scoring seven goals and 17 points in 10 playoff games for the Greyhounds.
Mignosa joined the Lightning's American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, for their playoff run which appeared to hint that he was turning professional, but he didn't play in a game and maintained his NCAA eligibility.
Mignosa was eligible to be drafted for the first time during the 2023 NHL Draft, but went unselected. He was also undrafted in 2024 but the Lightning took a chance on him after he took a major step forward offensively during the 2024-25 season.
While Mignosa almost certainly won't share the ice with the aforementioned McKenna, who will likely turn professional immediately after the draft, he's expected to play alongside quite a few NHL prospects. San Jose Sharks prospect Reese Laubauch is expected to return for his senior season if nothing changes and Luka Misa of the Calgary Flames is also expected to return.
Kale Dach (Pittsburgh Penguins, Shea Busch (Florida Panthers), and Justin Poirier (Carolina Hurricanes) are among the others names who will be joining Penn State for the 2026-27 season.