The Tampa Bay Lightning will be a team to watch this off-season. After a quick post-season exit, it is going to be fascinating to see what kind of changes the Bolts make to their roster.
One area the Lightning should consider improving is their top nine. It would not hurt for them to add more depth offensive production, and veteran forward James van Riemsdyk could provide that.
After landing a one-year contract, $900,000 with the Columbus Blue Jackets in September, van Riemsdyk put together a strong season with the Metropolitan Division club. In 71 games this campaign with the Blue Jackets, he posted 16 goals and 36 points. This is after he had 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 contests for the Boston Bruins in 2023-24 campaign. With numbers like these, he could give the Lightning solid secondary scoring.
van Riemsdyk could slot nicely on the Lightning's third line if signed, especially when noting that he can play both left and right wing. In addition, due to his solid net-front presence ability, he would offer the Lightning another useful option for their power play.
On a one-year affordable deal, van Riemsdyk could be a good player for the Lightning to bring in. At a minimum, he would give their bottom six a bit more offense and give them another veteran to help mentor their younger players.
Lightning Can't Let Veteran Forward Leave In Free Agency
The Tampa Bay Lightning have multiple pending free agents this off-season, but forward Yanni Gourde is undoubtedly the most notable. The veteran forward was brought back by the Lightning before the 2025 NHL trade deadline from the Seattle Kraken, and he immediately fit right in again.
Following being acquired by the Lightning, Gourde posted 14 points, 50 hits, and a plus-4 rating in 21 regular-season contests. Overall, he gave the Bolts the secondary offensive production and immense grit that they missed when he was no longer on the team. He was also a good veteran mentor for Tampa Bay to have around for their younger players.
With all of this, the Lightning should seriously work hard to re-sign Gourde, rather than letting him leave through free agency. Losing Gourde would undoubtedly be a tough blow for the Lightning, and it would be hard to find a replacement who provides all he does. This is especially so when noting that he has a ton of playoff experience, as his two Stanley Cups effectively demonstrate.
Nevertheless, re-signing Gourde should be one of the Lightning's top priorities this off-season. It will be interesting to see if they can successfully bring him back from here.
