The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Ethan Czata to a three-year, entry-level contract. He was selected 56th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft last month. Czata recorded 21 goals and 34 assists for 55 points in 68 games with the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs last season, ranking fourth on the team in both goals and total points. The 6-foot-2, 178-pound forward also made an impact on special teams, as he tied for second on the IceDogs in power-play assists (12) and tied for fourth in power-play goals (4). The pick that the Lightning used to draft Czata originally belonged to the L.A. Kings, but found its way back to Tampa last June in the deal that involved Tanner Jeannot. Czata is a strong defensive player, which made him one of the IceDogs’ most consistent penalty killers this season. Offensively he makes simplistic plays to set up his teammates. "I think I can come in and be kind of a third-line checker, third-line center that kind of plays a hard game, plays the penalty kill, shuts down the other team's top line,” Czata said. “I'm someone that takes pride in the defensive zone. I am skilled enough to make plays and score goals too but I think that's kind of a bonus to my game so I think just playing physical and playing a hard game is something that could help the Tampa Bay Lightning.” During the 2025 NHL Network Draft broadcast, Czata drew comparisons to a “Brandon Hagel-type” player — a gritty forward with two-way responsibility. Czata noted that he sees a bit of Sam Bennett in his game as well. “I love being physical. I love going to the net front, being a little bit of a gritty player. I like Dylan Larkin, someone who’s a great skater, is a leader, plays both ends of the ice.” The 18-year old also mentioned he enjoys the warm weather, which could make his eventual transition to Tampa that much easier. Off the ice, Czata likes to keep things simple: he’s a lacrosse guy, enjoys fishing, and said he values his time with friends. “I'm a lacrosse player, I played lacrosse my whole life. I'm a big friends guy, I talk to all my friends every day. Always stay in touch, even if I'm not with them. I love doing activities.” Photo Credit: Ethan Czata, Niagara IceDogs (Brandon Taylor/ OHL Images)
