Tampa Bay Lightning sign draft pick

Michigan State's Karsen Dorwart, left, maneuvers around Minnesota's Connor Kurth during the second period on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing.The Tampa Bay Lightning locked up one of their 2022 draft picks that saw their season end somewhat unexpectedly. No, not that one, this one. Connor Kurth, now a former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher, inked a two-year deal with the Lightning on Sunday after the Gophers were eliminated from the NCAA Championships by UMass in the opening round.

Kurth scored in the 5-4 overtime loss, with his goal making it 3-1 in favor of Minnesota, but it wasn’t enough, as his season ended when Aydar Suniev potted the game-winner at the 4:49…