The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Ethan Czata in the second round (56th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, and the center has an excellent opportunity to continue his development in the OHL.
Entering his third season with the Niagara Ice Dogs, the 18-year-old will be looking to increase his production and add to his offensive repertoire. Czata finished his second OHL season with 21 goals and 55 points in 68 games, ranking fourth in goals and points on the Ice Dogs.
Czata plays a mature game, already a potent two-way center. With a 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame, Czata has the tools of a stable middle-six center, fitting the mold of current Lightning center Anthony Cirelli and fellow prospect Sam O'Reilly.
Offensively, Czata is a playmaker. His vision and anticipation open up the ice for him, and he makes crisp passes when the opportunity arises. Czata doesn't have blistering speed, but his positioning puts him in advantageous spots. When in those positions, Czata possesses a strong shot, capable of beating goaltenders.
The Brampton, Ont. native is likely a long shot to make Team Canada's World Junior squad as he wasn't invited to their Summer Showcase, but a strong start to the season and possible injuries could move Czata up the depth chart.
While Czata would love to represent his country at the World Junior Championship, but his focus should be on the OHL season. Czata is now likely considered the third option offensively on the Ice Dogs, with Andrei Loshko joining the Seattle Kraken organization. Next to Kevin He and Ryan Roobroeck, Czata will have plenty of opportunities to improve his offensive game.
"Czata’s game developed well this season, becoming an important part of Niagara’s team. He isn’t going to land on many highlight reels, but he does a lot of things NHL teams will covet as a good-sized center who skates well and plays very hard. Czata shows no hesitancy to engage in physical play. He lands a lot of hits and drives the net consistently to generate offense. He has some touch with the puck, but doesn’t have much creativity or vision. He projects as a bottom-six forward who could be a fourth-line center," said Corey Proman of Czata in his ranking of Lightning prospects.
Czata's skill set is NHL projectable, but there is a sense that there is a lot of room for growth.