By Two Lightning defensemen represent Tampa Bay at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, but only one takes the ice in opener.
As the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship gets underway in Switzerland, the Tampa Bay Lightning have representation on the blue line. J.J. Moser, suiting up for host nation Switzerland, and Declan Carlile, representing Team USA. The opening day schedule created an intriguing possibility: a head-to-head matchup between Lightning teammates.
Only one of them saw the ice.
Moser dressed for Switzerland in the tournament opener against the United States and made an immediate contribution. Skating on the third defensive pairing alongside Tim Berni, the steady two-way defenseman picked up an assist on Switzerland’s first goal. He helped his country secure a 3–1 victory over the Americans.
For Switzerland, the win marked a strong start on home ice in front of an energized crowd, while Moser looked comfortable stepping into international competition. His recent Olympic experience and more ice time with the Bolts definitely played a role. He recorded seven goals and 29 points in 79 regular-season matchups, adding three more points during the 2025-2026 playoffs.
Carlile, meanwhile, was left out of Team USA’s lineup. The 25-year-old defenseman, who spent much of the season developing within Tampa Bay’s system, had one goal and three points in 42 regular-season games in the 2025-2026 NHL campaign.
The IIHF Worlds, which runs through May 31, features 16 teams split into two groups, with the top four teams from each advancing to the knockout stage.
For Lightning fans, the tournament offers a chance to keep tabs on familiar faces overseas — with one already making an early impact.
