Carter Ashton, a restricted free agent, has informed the Lightning that he intends to play in Europe next season, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Ashton, a restricted free agent, has informed the Lightning that he intends to play in Europe next season, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis:

It's unclear where the 24-year-old Ashton is headed, but he seems to be choosing a more premier role in Europe rather than what portended to be another season spent mostly in the AHL. There's a chance he'll be back with another NHL franchise at some point down the road, but fantasy owners shouldn't be holding their collective breath.