We are very much in a new era of hockey and that was no more obvious than when we saw Caleb Heil dress and play in an NHL preseason game for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

You see, Heil is currently playing for the Madison Capitols in the USHL. He’ll be heading to the University of North Dakota next season. In years past, players on a college track could not even attend NHL training camp without running afoul of the NCAA. Because USHL players were trying to retain their college eligibility, they couldn’t go either.

Now, however, the NCAA has relaxed its eligibility rules and has also allowed players to attend professional camps. The stipulation is that the players receive no more than necessary expenses for attending the camp. Additionally, with the NCAA now granting eligibility to multiple players who appeared in a full season of professional hockey in the ECHL last year, the eligibility lines have really never been blurrier. 

Because of that, players are getting opportunities they never could have expected this soon. Heil is the latest example.

The 19-year-old goaltender was passed over in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility, but was selected in the seventh round in 2025 by Tampa Bay. 

With the 1st Pick of the 7th Round in the 2025 NHL Draft the @TBLightning select Caleb Heil from the @MadCapsHockey!#2025NHLDraft | #USHL pic.twitter.com/2kyEuUU3kQ

— USHL (@USHL) June 28, 2025

He appeared in 39 regular-season games for Madison last year, posting modest numbers, but showing the skills that suggest there might be an NHL future for him. With North Dakota’s net already filled for this season, he is going back for one more year in the USHL.

He’ll now be coming back to the team with a taste of what it’s like to be in the NHL as he was invited to Tampa Bay’s training camp and granted a spot in their most recent preseason game.

Heil came in for Brandon Halverson and played the third period, overtime and the shootout for Tampa Bay. Incredibly, he stopped all seven shots he faced including a breakaway by Jonathan Marchessault, a former Conn Smythe winner, in overtime to save the game.

Then how about this for insane? Heil stood in for the shootout and the Nashville Predators sent over the boards three of their biggest stars. Steven Stamkos, Filip Forsberg and Marchessault. Heil allowed no goals, preserving a comeback win for the Bolts.

“This is something to build on,” Heil told the Lightning’s team media after the game. “I’ve had a good two weeks here, and I can build some confidence off this and bring it into the season and keep improving on things I need to work on for a big year.

“Obviously it’s really cool. You see kinda who’s coming over the bench…I’ve been watching those guys on TV all my life.”

Caleb Heil had himself a night last night in goal for @TBLightning.#GoCapsGo I 📸: Tampa Bay Lightning pic.twitter.com/ZoOSHlTglg

— Madison Capitols (@MadCapsHockey) September 24, 2025

The Lightning reassigned Heil along with most of the other junior-aged players in their training camp Wednesday. He’ll return to the Capitols and get a full USHL season in before heading to Grand Forks next year.

This is a potentially massive year for Heil in terms of where his hockey career is going to go. He will have to have a big year with Madison, but he’s also very much in the mix to be one of Team USA’s three goalies at the World Junior Championship in Minnesota later this year.

The goalie position appears to be completely up for grabs and Heil just showed how he can perform in a big spot, even if it was only a preseason game. Should he play up to his capabilities in the USHL and become one of the league’s top goalies this year, it will set him up rather well for his next steps.

Regardless of what happens, Heil did something largely unprecedented by playing in that NHL preseason game. He is a symbol of the new era, but more than that, Heil excelled in the small chance he was given by the team that took a seventh-round flier on him in June. 

NHL GMs have pretty long memories, so the young man probably did himself some real favors with what he did in his first taste of the big time.

The Capitols are back in action Friday night on home ice against the high-scoring Dubuque Fighting Saints. Though it isn’t confirmed, you’d have to think we’ll see Heil in net.

2025 Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Madison Capitols

NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey

The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don’t miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.

Hockey Hits Harder On Flo

Every game. Every goal. Every hit. All Season Long. FloHockey gives you access to the most live hockey anywhere, including leagues like the AHL, ECHL, OHL, QMJHL and USHL. Watch your team, follow top prospects and stay on top of all the action. Subscribe to an annual plan now and get 7 months free.

Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social