Dominic James

Dominic James (born July 3, 2002) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a center for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 173rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL entry draft.

Playing career Junior James played two full seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Lincoln Stars and recorded 14 goals and 34 assists during his tenure with the Stars.

He committed to play college ice hockey with the University of Minnesota Duluth and started his college career during the 2020–21 season. As a freshman he recorded six goals, 12 assists and 18 points.

That summer he was selected 173rd overall in the 2022 NHL entry draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. He was also named to the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship that was ultimately canceled.

James was named an alternate captain for his junior season, but that season was prematurely ended for him due to a season-ending injury that required surgery. He was named captain entering his senior year with the Bulldogs. He finished his collegiate career with 30 goals and 77 points in 111 games.

Professional On September 20, 2025, James signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League, after failing to reach an agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks. On October 23, 2025, he made his NHL debut with the Lightning at Benchmark International Arena. In his eighth career game on November 6, 2025, James tallied his first NHL goal and assists against the Vegas Golden Knights, finishing the night with three points.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2018–19 Lincoln Stars USHL 2 0 0 0 2 — — — — — 2019–20 Lincoln Stars USHL 47 2 12 14 39 — — — — — 2020–21 Lincoln Stars USHL 52 12 22 34 78 — — — — — 2021–22 University of Minnesota Duluth NCHC 39 6 12 18 12 — — — — — 2022–23 University of Minnesota Duluth NCHC 35 10 18 28 20 — — — — — 2023–24 University of Minnesota Duluth NCHC 2 0 2 2 0 — — — — — 2024–25 University of Minnesota Duluth NCHC 35 14 16 30 20 — — — — — 2025–26 Syracuse Crunch AHL 4 3 2 5 0 — — — — — 2025–26 Tampa Bay Lightning NHL 43 7 8 15 8 7 2 1 3 0NHL totals 43 7 8 15 8 7 2 1 3 0

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2022 United States WJC 5th 5 0 1 1 4Junior totals 5 0 1 1 4