This Jets forward has the heart and hustle that the Lightning look for in a player and has a strong ability to play two ways

Eyes on Tampa Bay: Could this Jets forward take his talents to the Lightning?

With the NHL signing period just hours away, more rumors, including from The Hockey News, are continuing to hint toward Tampa Bay targeting Winnipeg Jets forward, Brandon Tanev (left-handed left winger).

With the Lightning exiting playoffs early in 2025, their bottom six needs work. And as we saw in the NHL draft, the Lightning targeted primarily offensive weapons and it is likely they continue to stack their offense in free agency as well.

Tanev has a high-energy style of play and a strong ability to play two-ways, both offensively and defensively. He plays with heart, with grit, and never backs down from a task or challenge.

In fact, Tanev is known by one of his nicknames, “Turbo,” for his speed and physical play. He ranks in the 91stpercentile in the NHL for speed, having clocked a sprint over 20mph.

Tanev split the 2024-25 season between the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets. In 79 games between the two organizations, he had 10 goals, 12 assists, and 22 total points. He also had 105 blocks and 168 hits, proving his ability to play in the secondary and in the bottom six as well.

Prior to the 2024-25 season, the 33-year old left winger from Ontario, Canada has spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins as well (2019-2020).

The Lightning have hopes of returning to the Stanley Cup finals, Tanev is known for playing with heart, hustle, and has helped the teams he’s been with in the playoffs. In 59 career playoff games, Tanev has scored seven goals, has seven assists, and 14 points.

Along with the Lightning, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights are also contenders that are said to be targeting Tanev as well.

The Lightning could benefit from a player with the physicality, speed, and heart of Tanev.

The 2025 NHL signing period is imminent, and so to are the decisions of where players like Tanev will end up.