Breaking down the Tampa Bay Lightning ahead of NHL Free Agency.
Updated: Sunday, June 30
Pending free agents
Unrestricted: 12 | Restricted: 6 | See full list
[teamleaders league=”nhl” team=”tb” season=”2013″]
Lightning overview
After coming within one victory of a Stanley Cup Final berth in 2011, the Lightning underachieved under head coach Guy Boucher and whiffed on the postseason for two consecutive years. But with AHL grad Jon Cooper behind the bench for his first full NHL season, the Bolts were the most pleasant surprise of the Eastern Conference — until an awfully-timed elbow injury to Vezina finalist Ben Bishop left the Bolts’ goaltending ripe for Montreal’s plucking in the first round of the playoffs. Then came the sweep.
Despite franchise face Steven Stamkos breaking his tibia on Remembrance Day and missing the bulk of the season, and despite dependable leader Martin St. Louis breaking for New York, role players and youngsters stepped up admirably. Rookie forwards Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson each earned a Calder nomination, off-season acquisition Valtteri Filppula posted a career-high 25 goals, and Cooper was a Jack Adams finalist. In other words, there should be plenty of optimism in Tampa heading into October, regardless of what happens in free agency.
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| Click player positions to see depth chart | ||
Areas to address
General manager Steve Yzerman has assembled a young, dangerous core to build around. Remember, new captain Stamkos is just 24. Johnson, Hedman and Palat are all 23. This means that talented prospects in the Tampa system will be well guarded, while declining veterans like Sami Salo, a 39-year-old unrestricted free agent, should walk. Teddy Purcell might be a useful trade chip. And Ryan Malone, who was arrested for DUI and cocaine possession, was bought out on June 25.
Anders Lindback’s performance in the post-season, combined with the depth of Tampa goaltending prospects (Kristers Gudlevskis, anyone?), makes the restricted free agent expendable.
But the big challenge Yzerman faced has already been met. That was re-signing Ryan Callahan — a heart-and-soul guy and a natural leader, but one whose asking price pushed him out of New York. Despite Callahan’s disappointing playoff performance (zero points), he drove a hard bargain and secured a six-year, $34.8-million extension with the Bolts before testing free agency. With the money leftover, Tampa needs to look at defensive help; the Bolts can’t count on Bishop to shut the lights out every night, and we’ve seen what happens when he’s injured.
Possible signing targets
Brad Richards (C): The Cup champ’s return to Florida could be a fan-pleasing move. Through his agent, Richards said he’d welcome interest from Tampa, but other teams will likely big higher.
Milan Michalek (LW): Could add to the Bolts’ forward core at a reasonable rate, as his value is low after a drop-off season in Ottawa.
Matt Niskanen (D): A right-handed shot that could complement the lefty Hedman but won’t come cheap, as top-four UFA defencemen are scarce.
