The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that they have signed defenseman Roman Schmidt to a three-year entry level contract. Schmidt was selected in the third round, 96th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. A right-handed defenseman, he’s listed at 6’6” and 209 pounds.
The Lightning selected Schmidt from the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) where he played for two seasons. During his two year stint with the USNTDP, he played intra-squad and USHL games and recorded 16 goals, 34 assists, and 50 points in 147 games played. Most USNTDP players tend to go to NCAA hockey, but Schmidt instead decided to go to the OHL and play with the Kitchener Rangers this season where he has recorded six goals and 11 points in 22 games.