Victor Hedman speaks with media following 7-0 shutout win against the Flyers The Tampa Bay Lightning have made a roster move, placing forward Ilya Usau on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination. The Athletic's James Mirtle believes that Usau is heading back to the KHL. Usau, 22, appeared in 42 games this season with the Syracuse Crunch, where he had seven goals and 14 points. This was after Usau posted four goals and 16 points in 57 games during his first season with the Crunch in 2022-23. The Lightning signed Usau to an entry-level contract nearing the end of the 2021-22 season. This was after he had a strong season with Minsk Dynamo, recording nine goals and 26 points in 40 KHL games. Ilya Usau [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2NjkxNTAzMDI2NzQyNDc2/usatsi_21560624.jpg] Ilya Usau We will now need to closely monitor where Usau ends up playing from here. Yet, for now, we at least have confirmation that his time with the Lightning organization is done. RECENT LIGHTNING NEWS Lightning Tough Guy Connected to Sabres [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-tough-guy-connected-to-sabres] Lightning Defender Likely Finished in Tampa [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-defender-likely-finished-in-tampa] Lightning Sign Surging Prospect to ELC [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-sign-surging-prospect-to-elc] 3 Lightning Trade Candidates After Adding Ryan McDonagh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/3-lightning-trade-candidates-after-adding-ryan-mcdonagh]
