Expectations were high this year in Tampa Bay. After two consecutive early exits, the belief inside the room and across the fan base, was that this version of the Lightning was more equipped to go on a deep playoff run. That was not the case, with the Bolts losing in the first round to the eventual Stanley Cup champs for the second year in a row.
Last summer general manager Julien BriseBois aggressively addressed where the Lightning needed to improve, and overall they were a more complete team, better both defensively and at 5-on-5. This year, BriseBois didn’t specify where moves would be made in the offseason, but overall he stated that he likes the team they have. A few key moves could put them where they want to be.
Here’s what we know:
As July 1 approaches, the Lightning have been linked to a number of players. So far, the Bolts have locked down gritty forward Yanni Gourde and young defenseman Max Crozier, who was an arbitration-eligible RFA.
Three pending unrestricted free agents remain for the Lightning: Veteran forwards Luke Glendening and Cam Atkinson; and defenseman Nick Perbix.
On Sunday, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that Perbix is set to enter free agency. The move wouldn’t be entirely surprising, as Perbix continues to progress in his career and could command a higher salary elsewhere.
This quote stood out to me in regards to Perbix:
“All the guys that are here I like, and there’s a possibility for all of them to come back,” BriseBois said at his postseason availability. “Odds of them all coming back are small. Some of those guys are unrestricted free agents and might want the opportunity to go to a different organization where they might be able to play a bigger role. So, we’ll see.”
That said, Crozier could be the possible replacement for Perbix. His contract will be two-ways to start before the deal converts to a one-way contract after the 2025-26 season. The two-way nature of Crozier’s deal suggests to me, the Lightning may not expect him to be up full time to start. They could still be eyeing to make an additional move on the back end.
Tampa Bay’s only remaining arbitration-eligible restricted free agent is forward Gage Goncalves
The Lightning were impressed with Goncalves, especially in the playoffs. He proved to make an impact when needed and BriseBois credited his development at the end of the season. The Lightning have to submit a qualifying offer by June 30. Goncalves can choose to file for an arbitration hearing by July 5.
Something to keep an eye on
Veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh is entering the final year of his seven-year, $6.75 million AAV contract with the Lightning. McDonagh showed he still has plenty left in the tank, leading the NHL in plus/minus this season and bringing stability to a blue line that looked more structured since his return. He’s made it clear he wants to finish his career in Tampa.
“I have a ton of hunger still in me in wanting to win, and this is a great place for me to have that chance,” McDonagh said, “We’ll see what happens. But this is an unbelievable organization, city. There’s nowhere else I’d want to be for the rest of my career.
“Whether it happens or not, we’ll see. But it’s a great chance to win every year, a team that’s always gonna be going for it and a great, great group of guys that care for one another, and that’s all you want to be a part of.”
