Could Lightning Strike Twice? Oilers Forward in Sights Amid Perbix Uncertainty

Nick Perbix and Connor Brown both become free agents on July 1st.

When the clock strikes midnight on July 1st, Lightning defenseman Nick Perbix will become an unrestricted free agent, as reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. It is likely the 27-year old from Elks River, Minnesota will look to go elsewhere when that time comes.

He’s spent his entire career with the Lightning, from 2017 when he was drafted to playing his 200th+ career game during the 2024-25 season with Tampa Bay.

Throughout the course of his career with Tampa Bay, he has 13 goals, 50 assists, and 63 points in 220 games played. He has a +27 rating over the course of those games as well.

In 2024-25, he skated in 74 games, scoring six times and assisting with 13. He had 19 points and a +8 rating. What’s missing, however? Having more opportunity. As a still young 27-year old, it is likely Perbix could be looking for a more prominent role, including during power plays and penalty-kill time. While in free agency he could also look for higher pay from teams. However, Perbix has also in the past called Tampa Bay his “forever home.” So that’s where the uncertainty of what happens before or on July 1st comes into play.

However, if the Lightning do move on from the righty shooting defenseman, their eyes could be on a veteran shooter from the Edmonton Oilers.

Like Perbix, righty shooter Connor Brown will become a free agent on July 1st.  He is a strong, veteran player with years of experience with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2016-19), Ottawa Senators (2019-22), Washington Capitals (2022-23), and most recently the Oilers (2023-25) where’s hes been the last two seasons.

Over 601 career games, Brown, a two-way, versatile forward, has 107 goals, 151 assists, 258 points, and a -10 rating. He has scored eight power play goals and earned 30 power play points over the course of his career.

2024-25 was a great season for the 31-year old veteran from Ontario, Canada as well. He skated in 82 games, scoring 13 goals, recording 17 assists, 30 points, and earned a +9 rating last season.

Brown is known for his leadership abilities on and off the ice, which would make him a great fit with Tampa Bay. He is a great presence on the front line of the offense and has the ability to make opportunities happen offensively.

Adding Brown to the third line with Nick Paul and Yanni Gourde is another option as well for the Lightning and Brown’s ability to move up and down the lineup, and his solid play defensively would make him an option for penalty kills and being used for his versatility.

July 1st marks the start of NHL free agency and there a lot of potential shakeups in the making right now.