James wasted little time in Syracuse, posting five points in four AHL games before earning a call-up that turned into 43 games with Tampa Bay. Seven goals, eight assists, and a plus-four, with consistent penalty kill deployment, earned him a reputation as a reliable two-way presence – which is exactly the role that will keep him in the league. A lower-body injury requiring surgery ended his year early and introduces an offseason question mark. With Conor Geekie and Sam O’Reilly pushing for similar roles, his grip on a permanent spot will require continued proof that the defensive acumen and work rate that impressed the Lightning coaching staff remain intact. He’s still minors eligible for part of this season, hold while that’s the case.

James signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning on September 20, 2025. Originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (173rd overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft. James did not have to wait long to find a new NHL franchise to continue his career with after not receiving an offer from the Chicago Blackhawks last month.

Signing in Tampa Bay puts James on the fantasy radar, as the Lightning have a much weaker prospect pool than the Blackhawks. Add him to your watch list; he is slated to start the 2025-26 season with the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. A late-season call-up is not out of the question, and in year two of his contract, out of training camp, he could see himself fighting for a full-time roster spot in the NHL with Tampa Bay in 2026-27.

James’ third full NCAA season was solid, with 14 goals, 16 assists and 30 points in 35 games, but wasn’t the type of step forward one would expect from a 22-year-old in the NCAA. He is a good-sized player at 6-0, 190 lbs, and could see shifts on the fourth line in the future. That is, if he can secure a contract with an NHL team after not signing with the Chicago Blackhawks by August 15, 2025, and is now an unrestricted free agent. We will wait to see where he lands for the upcoming season, but we will likely leave him off our fantasy rosters.

James was named the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs captain for the 2024-2025 NCHC season.