The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Langkow fifth overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. On the eve of the 1995–96 season, the Lightning signed him to a three-year, $2.4 million contract. He made his National Hockey League (NHL) debut on October 7, 1995, against the Calgary Flames. Langkow appeared in four games with the Lightning before he was returned to Tri-City. He scored 91 points in 48 games with the Americans and was named to the WHL's West Second All-Star Team. , he remains the Americans' franchise record holder for most career goals with 159. Langkow represented Canada at the 1996 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he won a gold medal.