Syracuse Crunch forward Jakob Pelletier has been awarded the Fortune Tires “Expect More” AHL Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season. The honor recognizes Pelletier’s outstanding performance, which included a career-high 77 points in 63 games. The award also includes a $2,500 donation to Pelletier’s chosen charity and a set of four premium Fortune Tires.
Pelletier was named a First Team AHL All-Star and won the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as the league’s leading scorer. He tallied 28 goals, 49 assists, and a plus-25 rating while leading the league in shorthanded goals with five and power-play points with 31. His 20-game scoring streak is the longest by an AHL player in over 17 years.
The 25-year-old native of Québec City has now played five seasons in the AHL, amassing 207 points in 202 regular-season games across Syracuse, Calgary, and Stockton. Pelletier was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team in 2021-22 and played his first AHL All-Star Classic in February.
Pelletier’s success in the AHL has translated to the NHL as well. After signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 2, 2025, he has recorded 11 goals and 18 assists in 91 career NHL games. Originally selected in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames, Pelletier has continued to prove his value at every level.
The Crunch reached the Calder Cup Playoffs this spring, with Pelletier contributing five points in four games. His two-way play and offensive production have made him a key asset for both his team and the Lightning organization.
Pelletier will look to continue his strong performance as the Lightning prepare for the 2026 NHL playoffs. With his contract set to expire in 2027, his future in Tampa Bay remains a point of interest for Lightning fans and executives alike.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to select Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft after his standout performance in the playoffs, where his elite offensive skills could finally solve the team’s long-standing special teams struggles.
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