The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Finley to a three-year contract worth an AAV of $775,000 on June 8, 2025. Finley will be on a two-way contract for the 2025-26 season before the deal converts to a one-way contract for the remaining two years. The 22-year-old Finley played in 40 games for the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League this season and recorded 28 points (14 goals and 14 assists). The 6-6, 220-pound forward has played a total of 159 career AHL games in three seasons, all with Syracuse, producing 81 points (39 goals and 42 assists) while adding 10 power play goals. He has the size and skill set to be a reliable contributor to a Tampa Bay Lightning team that is always looking for a cheaper option to fill a bottom-six role. The opportunity to add to his one game of NHL experience (made his NHL debut on January 14, 2025) could come as soon as the 2025-26 season.

After finding his footing in his first AHL season, Jack has taken a good step forward in his second year. Finishing tied for third in points on the Syracuse Crunch last year, the big, smooth-skating center will look to build upon last year’s success. Likely to start the year with the Crunch, if he impresses in camp, he might have a shot at making the roster on the fourth line. Assuming he does start the year with the Crunch, in the event of injuries for the Lightning, Finley may be one of the first guys called up to plug holes. On the Crunch, he will continue to see top-six deployment and should get a lot of focus and help in improving his game. If Finley can continue to improve, there is a real chance he can make the Lightning next year.

Jack helped his stacked Winnipeg Ice team make it to the WHL semi-finals to put a stamp on his almost point-per-game regular season and playoffs. Given his build and his skill set, he could be a middle-six center in the NHL with 50-55 point upside and decent peripherals. He is more than likely going to battle for AHL ice time this coming year. He is at least two years away from AHL seasoning before reaching the NHL.

The Lightning have signed Finley to a three-year entry-level contract. Last season with the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, he recorded 57 points in 61 games.

Finley was drafted by the Lightning in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft in October. He currently plays for the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Still, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused the season to be delayed, he is on loan to the West Kelowna Warriors of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the time being.