This Lightning blueliner could be in for a bigger role in 2024-25.
The Tampa Bay Lightning go into another season with many question marks surrounding the team. A familiar one will be how the defense will be able to hold it down on the backend. The team finished last season tied for 10th in most goals allowed in the NHL.
To address this issue, the Lightning struck a deal with the Nashville Predators that brought veteran defender Ryan McDonagh back to Tampa Bay. Along with the returning bunch of Tampa Bay defensemen will be Emil Lilleberg.
Lilleberg impressed in his brief 37-game stint in the NHL last season. The 23-year-old Norwegian was able to further display his maturity during the five-game playoff series with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While averaging a little over 17 minutes of ice time in the series, Lilleberg managed to block four shots while handing out 14 hits.
To start the season, Lilleberg will more than likely be placed on the third line alongside Darren Raddysh. This time will be split with third-year defenseman Nick Perbix. It would not come as a surprise if we were to see Lilleberg move up in the order as the season progresses.
The Lightning are expected to have the duo of Ryan McDonagh and Erik Cernak on the second pairing. With the likelihood of the injury bug biting either one or both, Lilleberg could even be presented with a chance to move up in the lineup.
The NHL season will always have its fair share of uncertainties. The one sure thing that Lightning fans can bank on is that Lilleberg will receive opportunities to prove he belongs at the NHL level in Tampa Bay this season.
