After a tough playoff exit, the Tampa Bay Lightning could very well have themselves a busy off-season this summer. It is clear that they should be making some changes to their group as they look to strengthen their depth.
In a recent article for The Athletic, Shayna Goldman argued that the Lightning should look to improve their blueline and pursue Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro if he hits the free-agent market on July 1.
Goldman argued that Fabbro could be a realistic option for the Lightning's top pairing, and it is hard to disagree with that take. He thrived on the Blue Jackets' top pairing with Zach Werenski this season, so he could very well have success in a big role on the Lightning, too.
When looking at how Fabbro performed after being claimed off waivers by the Blue Jackets this season, he certainly would have the potential to be a good addition to the Lightning's roster. In 62 games with Columbus this campaign, he recorded new career highs with nine goals and 26 points. He also had a plus-23 rating.
However, given how excellently Fabbro played this season, he should have plenty of suitors if he is available this summer. This is especially so when noting that this year's free agency does not have too many notable right-shot defensemen, and he is easily among the best of them. Furthermore, it would not be surprising if the slightest if the Blue Jackets work very hard to keep him in Columbus, as the fit was perfect there this season.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Lightning target Fabbro this off-season if he hits the free-agent market. He would have the potential to be a good addition to their group, especially when noting that he works well on the penalty kill, too.
Lightning In The Mix For Jonathan Toews
The Tampa Bay Lightning should be looking to improve their forward depth this off-season after their quick playoff exit. It is clear that they would benefit by upgrading their bottom six, and they are now being linked to a notable free agent because of it.
During the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman named the Lightning as one of the top expected suitors for Jonathan Toews.
"Jonathan Toews, sounds like it's a couple of teams here," Friedman said. "I think Winnipeg is in there. Think Colorado's in there... One of the other teams I suspect on Toews - Lightning."
Toews, 37, has not played since the 2022-23 season due to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and long COVID symptoms. However, the former longtime Chicago Blackhawks captain is ready to resume his playing career, and it is understandable that the Lightning are interested in him.
When looking at the Lightning's lineup, Toews could be a nice fit in their bottom six, whether he plays on the third or fourth line. In addition, the veteran center would offer them another potential option for their penalty kill, as he was well-known for his strong defensive play before being sidelined for the last two seasons.
On a cheap one-year, prove-it deal, Toews could be a very solid addition to a Lightning club that needs more forward depth. This is especially so when noting that he has a plethora of playoff success, as he, of course, was a major reason for the Blackhawks' three Stanley Cup championships during the 2010s.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Lightning end up being the team that wins the Toews sweepstakes from here. In 1,067 career NHL games over 15 seasons, he has recorded 372 goals, 883 points, and a plus-148 rating. He is also a one-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, a one-time Selke Trophy winner, a one-time Mark Messier Leadership Award winner, and a six-time All-Star.
